The 2024 County Championship qualifying took place at Matfen Hall on 29 June, with a field of 73 taking part.
The scoring was strong in the early stages until the westerly wind picked up and a lot of the under par scores disappeared.
In the battle for the Renwick Medal, presented to the leading qualifier, it was Angus Buchanan of Slaley Hall who came out on top from Cameron Thoburn, by virtue of a better back 18, shooting scores of 69 and 68 for a 7 under par total of 137.
A play off was needed to decide the qualifiers, with Karl Mossom being the unlucky player after he missed a short putt on the 3rd sudden death hole. Adam Wright and Nicky Maddison progressed to the match play stages.
The first round saw a couple of notable departures, non more so than the defending Champion Andrew Minnikin, who fell to Cameron Twynholm. Leading qualifier Angus Buchanan went out to 2 time champion Nicky Maddison. The experienced Sean Heads came back from 3 down to win against Fin Bell.
The quarter finals provided some tight encounters, with Nicky Maddison coming back from 4 down to win on the last to beat Phil Ridden. Cameron Thoburn edged out Sean Heads on the 22nd with a fine birdie. Cameron Twynholm kept the giant killing up with a 2&1 win over Nicky Maddison. The final quarter final saw James Conn defeat Zak Laws on the 18th.
On to the semi finals where in the battle of the Cameron’s it was Twynholm who held his nerve to secure a place in the final with a 1 up victory. James Conn had a slightly easier match, winning 3&2 against Nicky Maddison.
The finalists were greeted with bright sunshine on a beautiful morning in the Northumberland countryside, where it was James Conn who took an early lead with birdies on the 1st and 3rd. The ice cool Cameron fought back winning the next 4 holes, 3 with birdies. The game settled down and as the players took lunch it was Cameron who led, 2up.
Early wins on the 20th, 22nd and 24th saw Cameron move to 5 up, this was quickly reduced to 3 when James won 8 and 9. A James 3 putt on the 29th saw Cameron move back to 4 up, he then played steady golf and won the 32nd hole to secure a 5&4 victory.
A quite remarkable achievement from the 17 year old, who became the first player to follow their father in winning the Northumberland County Championship. His father, County legend Sandy, faithfully caddied throughout the match play and was naturally delighted with Cameron’s victory. Well done Cameron.
Finally a huge thanks to the Matfen Hall Team led by Nicola Hawes, nothing was too much trouble and the venue was absolutely superb, with the course being presented immaculately every day, the hard work of Derek and the greens staff was hugely appreciated. We look forward to returning soon.
