Ireland’s John Moran emerged victorious in the English U14 Championship for the Reid Trophy after a thrilling five-way play-off at West Sussex Golf Club. Moran, along with Louis Le Sager, Ollie McEvoy, Casper van Rensburg, and Fraser Walters, all finished with a score of +4 as heavy rain poured down on the final day. This led to a sudden death play-off starting on the par-5 1st hole, where McEvoy’s three-putt eliminated him from the competition, leaving four players to battle for the title.
The intense drama continued as the remaining quartet parred the par-four 4th hole, with Van Rensburg and Walters missing out on birdie opportunities. Eventually, Van Rensburg and Walters were eliminated on the par-4 18th hole, leaving Moran and Le Sager to compete in a thrilling battle back on the 1st hole. Moran sealed the victory with a remarkable 25-foot birdie putt on the fourth play-off hole, clinching his first competition win in this age category.
Despite challenging weather conditions throughout the week, Moran remained focused on his game and capitalized on his opportunities when they presented themselves. The tense competition saw Le Sager leading heading into the final round before being forced into a play-off with Moran. The Spanish player, Jorge de la Riva, also made a late surge on the final day with a remarkable four-under 64 to finish in 7th place, just two shots off the leaders.
The tough finish at West Sussex Golf Club added to the excitement of the championship, with players battling through rain and challenging course conditions. The final leaderboard showcased the talent of young golfers from various countries, with Moran emerging as the eventual champion after a captivating play-off. Moran expressed his delight at being crowned champion, highlighting the significance of winning his first major competition in the under-14 age group.
The eventful tournament showcased the resilience and skill of young golfers, with each player giving their best performance despite the challenging circumstances. The spirit of competition was on full display as players fought for the prestigious title, making the English U14 Championship a memorable event for both players and spectators. The legacy of the Reid Trophy continues to grow as new champions like Moran etch their names in golfing history alongside other great winners.
