In a nail-biting climax at Hesketh Golf Club, young Charlie Rusbridge pulled off an astonishing win at Golf’s English U18 Championship.
He sealed his victory with a birdie on the second playoff hole, solidifying his status as a rising star in the golfing world.
The Battle Begins
The competition was fierce from the get-go. Rusbridge, representing Colne Valley, ended the regulation 72 holes tied at -11 with Harrison Sewell of Northumberland and Daniel Hayes from Bramhall.
The three-way tie set the stage for a dramatic play-off, held over a gruelling weekend of golf from Friday to Sunday.
Rusbridge’s campaign began with a stunning 67 (-5) on the opening day. Despite a minor setback on Saturday with a +1, he roared back on Sunday morning.
The 16-year-old achieved a spectacular hole-in-one on the 2nd and an eagle on the 18th, finishing with a brilliant -6 (66).
His steady afternoon round of -1 ensured he stayed in contention for the title.
Sewell’s Incredible Comeback
Harrison Sewell’s journey to the play-off was nothing short of miraculous. He stumbled out of the gate with a +3 on the first day but clawed his way back with -3 rounds on the second day and the morning of the third.
His final round was a masterclass in determination, setting a new course record at Hesketh with a blistering -8, highlighted by eight birdies. This phenomenal performance thrust the 18-year-old into the play-off.
Hayes’ Steady Climb
Daniel Hayes also faced an uphill battle. A level-par opening day left him with ground to make up, but he responded with a superb -5 on day two.
Two consecutive rounds of -3 on Sunday, including a crucial birdie on the 72nd hole, ensured his place in the showdown.
The Play-Off Drama
The play-off was as tense as they come. All three competitors parred the first hole, but the second play-off hole, a challenging par-5 18th, became the decider.
Sewell and Hayes both faltered with their approach shots, while Rusbridge remained ice-cool under pressure. A comfortable two-putt birdie crowned him the English U18 champion.
Rusbridge’s Emotional Win
Reflecting on his victory, Rusbridge was both elated and incredulous: “It’s a bit surreal. It’s been a battle all week but to come out on top feels amazing.
It’s been a rollercoaster final day, obviously with a hole-in-one this morning where I played really nicely.
I hit it nicely and it seemed to stall a bit in the air but after two bounces it went in. It’s my first-ever one so I couldn’t believe it.
My head was a bit swell after that as I made bogey next hole but to recover from that was pleasing.
“It was a battle all afternoon with my playing partners and the play-off certainly made a long day even longer, but it was special to get the win.”
Charlie Rusbridge’s thrilling victory at Golf’s English U18 Championship underscores the intense competition and the high level of skill displayed by these young golfers.
For a detailed look at the final leaderboard and more tournament highlights, click here.
