Staff WriterBen Bolton soared to a two-shot triumph in the Berkhamsted Trophy at Berkhamsted Golf Club on Saturday, signalling a welcome return to form for the England Golf Men’s Squad member.
The 17-year-old produced a level-par total across four rounds, highlighted by back-to-back scores of three under par in his opening two circuits, which kept nearest challenger George Saunders at bay.
Meanwhile, England Golf Boys’ Squad contender Harry Cox finished one stroke further back in a share of third alongside Bryn Thomas, and Charlie Rusbridge, another Boys’ Squad representative, wrapped up his week tied for ninth.
Spectators witnessed an extra flourish of excitement courtesy of Englishman Harry Thomas, who aced the 11th on Day One and ultimately claimed a tied-6th finish.
Reflecting on his success, Bolton acknowledged battling through a patch of less-than-stellar form before hitting on a winning formula.
“It was definitely a tough week. Going into the week I wasn’t hitting it very well and wasn’t feeling great so it was nice to find something after talking with the coach, just going back to the old swing feels. It helped me get back into the groove.
“I had two good rounds to start but my last two rounds weren’t great – my putter went cold and I started missing a couple of greens.
But it feels really nice to be able to win when I’m not quite on form. A win is a win so I’m feeling confident and looking forward to seeing how I can get on in the French Boys’ Championship.”
Despite the closing rounds not matching his early fireworks, Bolton’s doggedness carried him through.
That kind of grit, even when the rhythm’s slightly off, often separates a champion from the rest of the field—something the young Englishman demonstrated with aplomb.
His performance at Berkhamsted signals he may have plenty more winning moments in store.
