Golf student to play in Europeans
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- Created on Friday, 19 October 2012 09:43
Golf academy student selected as 1 of 10 UK golfers in European tournament
College sports student, Thomas Simpson, (16 from Brixham) has been selected as one of ten under 18 golfers to compete in the European Junior Open event in Spain later this year in November.
Thomas finished in the number 1 spot, during the regional tournament, held earlier at St Mellion, which ensured his place at this prestigious event.
The European Junior Open tournament is held over 5 days, and over a variety of courses in the local area. At this event, a few years ago, the now Ryder Cup star and current World number 5, Justin Rose, played in this and finished 3rd. Tournaments like this can be a real springboard for players.
He has been a keen golfer for the last 6 years and has been playing in the South Devon College Golf Academy, since the start of term. He is preparing for the event, with the College Coach, Dan Leins.
Thomas played the first qualifier in July at Churston, where he shot a 76 and won that event. This put him through to the regional final at St Mellion. St Mellion is a notoriously long and difficult course to play, and recent heavy rain meant that players had to be on top form to score well. Thomas overcame the conditions and secured a win, by playing a 8 to finish at the top of a very impressive field.
Thomas, a former student of St Cuthbert Mayne, was clearly excited about the prospect of competing at such a high profile event;
“I am really looking forward to getting to Spain and competing! There are only 10 of us who qualified from the UK, so I feel I am ready for the challenge. I am concentrating on playing my own game and have been working hard with Dan, practising key shots and working on areas. It is going to be a great experience, and on top of that I hope to come back with a bit of a tan!”
When we spoke to Thomas, his aim for the event was to “make the cut” – which happens after day 4 of the tournament. This is where only some players, who have scored well, are selected to play on the final day.
The Golf Academy coach, Dan Leins said of Thomas;
"Tom has been on great form since joining the Golf Academy and is always keen to make little changes in order to improve. His great score at St Mellion was no surprise to me as he has been shooting great scores since September and has helped us to be leading the ISGA League at present. I am sure he will do well and we are all looking forward to updates from the tournament."
Follow our Sports teams and individuals, as well as recent fixtures and results on our website or our Sports at South Devon College Facebook page.
If you are interested in Golf or any other sports at South Devon College, why not come along to our next Open Evening on Wednesday 21st November 2012, from 5-8pm.
Call now on FREEPHONE 08000 380 123
