Bournemouth University Golfers Reach National Semis - 6th Apr 2004

The Bournemouth University men's golf team has reached the semi-final of the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) National Shield competition for the first time after storming to victory over Glamorgan University.

Glamorgan came into the quarter-final at Bournemouth's Queen's Park Golf Club as red-hot favourites but the home side played the more determined golf on the day and strolled to a convincing 7-2 win.

The visitors took a 2-1 advantage by lunchtime with victories in two of the three foursomes played in the morning. Bournemouth's first pair of Ben Ludwell and Shane Ruddle dropped to a 2 & 1 defeat before teammates Charlie Thrussell and Charlie Swann, the reigning Hampshire County Boys Champion, clawed back a point with a 2 & 1 victory of their own. The final pair of Gareth Llewellyn and Adam Wallace came to the 18th tee with their match all square. In a thrilling last hole Glamorgan stole the point with a magnificent birdie putt.

Bournemouth coach Steve Thorne of Dudsbury GC, decided to tinker with the afternoon playing order and the decision paid dividends. Swann went off first and won comfortably 4 & 3 to put the teams level. Ruddle then hit 6 birdies to chalk up another easy win (5 & 4) before Thrussell gave Bournemouth a 4-2 lead with a 3 & 2 victory. Wallace and Ludwell then put the tie out of reach with further back-to-back 3 & 2 scorelines before and team captain Llewellyn secured the final point with a 2 & 1 edge as Bournemouth completed their whitewash.

"It would be great if we could progress to the final," said Llewellyn as the team awaited the outcome of the semi-final draw. "Our best chance has to be another home draw. Queens Park has been a fortress for us this season and the boys would relish a home tie in the semi-finals!"

Other teams reaching the final four of the BUSA national shield are Dundee, Nottingham and either Swansea or Northampton (who play later in April). Matches are scheduled for Wednesday 5th May 2004 with the final a fortnight later at the Lindrick Golf Course in South Yorkshire.

All six of Bournemouth's first team players study on the BSc (Hons) in Sports Management (Golf) programme with individual handicaps ranging from 1 to 5. Four of the six benefit from Royal and Ancient (R&A) bursaries and all are supported by the University's EXCEL Scholarship Scheme. A grant from the English Golf Union (EGU) provides players with individual and group coaching from Richard Hill and Steve Thorne.

Related Links

• http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news_and_events/golf.html

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