Staff WriterWell, if you’re looking for proof that English amateur golf champions are punching well above their weight on the global stage, look no further than Germany and Berkshire this weekend.
While most of us were fussing over our lawnmowers or yelling at the telly, Charlotte Naughton and Jake Sowden were busy making history—both with a quiet confidence and swings sharp enough to shave the Sunday roast.
At the German Girls’ International Amateur Championship, 17-year-old Charlotte Naughton—yes, the only English player in the field—clinched a stunning two-shot victory at Golf Club Bad Saarow, becoming the first English champion in the tournament’s history.
The Longhirst Hall golfer posted rounds of 70, 72, and 73 to finish five-under-par, holding off Spain’s Angela Revuelta in a field packed with Europe’s brightest young talent.
“I’m very proud to have won the German Amateur Championship,” said Naughton. “I have worked very hard at my game and my fitness coming into this event. It’s amazing to win such a big event with a jam-packed European field.”
No kidding. Managing a demanding course in Germany takes more than just a solid swing—it requires ice in the veins and a spreadsheet for a brain.
Naughton credited her calm approach and meticulous prep work: “I had two great practice rounds and I feel I managed the challenging course well. My course management and mapping certainly helped me.”
With her opening round of 70 setting the tone, a two-shot lead heading into Saturday’s finale could’ve rattled lesser players. But Charlotte held her nerve, staying patient and executing her game plan like a tour veteran.
“Going into the final round with a two-shot lead, my mindset was to concentrate on my own game and stay patient,” she said.
“My win has given me confidence for the rest of the season and I’m very proud that all my hard work with the help of team England Golf and my coach Paul Fiddes has paid off.”
She also tipped her visor to family support: “I feel honoured to have won such a prestigious tournament and I’m really thankful to England Golf and my sister Zara for all their help and support this week.”
Meanwhile, a few hundred miles away at The Berkshire, Jake Sowden added a little more silverware to his 2024 haul by taking the Berkshire Trophy—his second major amateur title of the season, after scooping the English Men’s U25 Championship earlier this year.
The Oaks golfer strung together rounds of 69, 65, 71, and 75 to finish seven-under, edging out compatriots Oliver Toyer and Joe Buenfeld by a single stroke.
“It’s such a great feeling to win a national competition, especially at The Berkshire,” said Sowden. “It’s such an amazing golf course and is one of my favourite events of the year.”
He may not have felt on top of his game during the final round, but Sowden proved that grit often trumps groove.
“To be able to hold off when my game wasn’t there today and still manage to get a win, was a great achievement for myself.”
One shot that stood out? “In the first round on the Blue Course. On the 11th hole, I had 235 yards into a slight breeze and the pin was tucked on the top shelf. I landed it on the top to six feet and rolled it in for eagle.”
As for the celebration? No champagne baths or chest-thumping victory laps—just pizza and the PGA Championship on telly.
“I’m having a day off before I prepare for the Brabazon Trophy later this week,” he added. “Then hopefully I’ll be playing St Andrews Links.”
With English amateur golf champions like Naughton and Sowden leading the charge, the future of English golf looks like it’s in very capable hands—just don’t expect them to brag about it. They’ll be too busy getting ready for the next tee time.
