The Cheltenham College golf team claimed an impressive second place at the recent West of England Public Schools Golf tournament held at Burnham and Berrow Gold Club in Somerset.

The team, consisting of pupils Hugo Snell, Eddy Mason, Charlie Sault, James Meyrick and Zack Yarranton, performed outstandingly during the tournament, beating both Blundell’s School and Monmouth School a solid 5-0 in the opening rounds. They then went on to treat spectators to an epic final against Taunton School, culminating in a ‘sudden death playoff’ and narrow defeat.

Closely contested from the outset, the final was a real display of fine striking and skilful play by both teams. After 18 holes the score was tied at 2 1/2 - 2 1/2, necessitating the halved match to play extra holes. It finally came down to James Meyrick, who had played superbly throughout the day, at the 20th hole. It was an incredibly close call, with James just losing out to Callum Taylor from Taunton who had the big advantage of being a Burnham member.

Barry Wild, Master in Charge of Golf commented: “The boys played exceptionally well throughout the day and should be very proud of their performance in what was a highly competitive and skilled field. They drew much praise from other schools for both their golf and their demeanour which was a pleasure to hear. They were a real credit to College and deserve to be congratulated.”

The West of England Public Schools Golf tournament was founded in 1959 and is the premier schools’ event in the golfing calendar. Schools taking part were: Sherborne, Downside, Radley, Canford, Monmouth, Blundells and Taunton.

Photo left to right: Eddy Mason, Hugo Snell, Zack Yarranton, James Meyrick and Charlie Sault.