Putting Exeter on the Golfing Map

Having qualified for EUSA based on the BUCS team stroke play standings from individual results Harrie Llewellyn, Claudia Ovens and Alex Saunders headed to Liberec in the Czech Republic to represent University of Exeter on the European stage. Having taken bronze last year with the pairing of Alex Saunders and Sophie Stone, Exeter were keen to make their mark and get in amongst the medals. Despite not having the best weather and having to adjust to one of the days being rained off Exeter put in a strong performance to take 3^rd place and secure the bronze medal finishing behind University of Sterling (1^st) and National University of Ireland (2^nd). Sports Scholar Alex Saunders commented “It was an amazing experience playing in the Czech Republic, my first visit to the country, and to come away with team bronze was the icing on the cake”.

Our High Performance golfers also compete in the BUCS Golf tour alongside their regular team and knock out competitions. The BUCS golf tour consists of 9 qualifying events held across the UK which allows top University golfers to compete for a place in the BUCS Golf tour finals. With the BUCS tour events commencing early in the University term James Blyth sealed a quick top 3 finish in the Midlands tournament tying for 2^nd place with Elliott Butterworth (Northumbria University) and Dan Lloyd (University of Central Lancashire). It was a double delight at the Northern tournament for Bradley Scott and Emily Toy who took the men’s and women’s titles respectively. Building her success at the R&A scholars tournament last year Emily was back on the top of the podium with Bradley Scott taking his 1^st tour win. Monty Scowsill also finished in 2^nd place in the men’s competition.  At the Fife tournament Monty was again in fine form and had a dramatic finish to the competition in a 3 way playoff. Having put himself in contention for the title he lost out in a hotly contested playoff to Ronan Mullarney (Maynooth University) and had to settle for 2^nd place. Following the event Monty commented “I had a great tournament in Fife and despite finishing 2^nd it meant I gained a world ranking which was one of my big goals for the year”.

Golf is one of the 9 focus sports at the University of Exeter with our top level golfers supported as part of our High Performance Programme. The High Performance Programme offers a comprehensive support services package including access to Strength and Conditioning (S&C), physiotherapy and lifestyle workshops to support student athletes to achieve within their sport and academically whilst at University. The University's golf programme is generously supported by the University's Alumni Golf Days and by The R&A. Darren Everett continues for a second year in the role of Performance Golf coach. Darren is currently the Head PGA Professional at Exeter Golf and Country Club and brings with him a wealth of coaching expertise to support the University programme.

The University of Exeter Golf 1^st team had a strong start to the BUCS season winning their first league match 5-1 against University of Surrey mixed 1^st. They currently sit top of the Premier South table and will be hoping to remain there for the rest of the 2017-2018 season.