Yorkshire golf: Tom North top of the class as he wins West Yorkshire schools title at Howley Hall GC

TOM NORTH had done plenty of homework ahead of Yorkshire Schools' Golf Association's West Yorkshire championship - and it paid off with victory.
Wakefield College's Tom North (Picture: Chris Stratford).Wakefield College's Tom North (Picture: Chris Stratford).
Wakefield College's Tom North (Picture: Chris Stratford).

The prep done by Wakefield College student North has involved being a member at the club that staged the event, Howley Hall.

His was the first score posted and his excellent 66 on a course shortened to 15 holes enabled the county junior player to take the honours at Under-19 level.

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North Halifax’s Freddy Stoker (3 handicap) placed second on 71.

Yorkshire Schools' Golf AssociationYorkshire Schools' Golf Association
Yorkshire Schools' Golf Association

"During the round I was struggling off the tee, but my short game was strong and good enough to get the job done," said North.

"I have worked and practised really hard over the winter, especially on my swing with coach Steve Robinson, and put lots of hours in the gym working with TPI instructor Rachael Tibbs.

"As the season is starting, I'm just trying to get out and play more although I did spend a week out in Portugal for some winter training. So the hard work is paying off and I will try to continue my form into the major tournaments of the season."

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Howley Hall, like many courses, has been victim to unprecedented levels of rain in recent months and three of its short holes were omitted from the round.

Yorkshire Schools' Golf AssociationYorkshire Schools' Golf Association
Yorkshire Schools' Golf Association

Thirteen schools and colleges entered competitors, others unable to do so owing to their students’ examination commitments.

Daniel Clark-Coates, a five-handicapper from Titus Salts, won the Under-16 section, also with a 66.

This saw him win by two shots from Horsforth’s Nathan Ali, who plays off eight.

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In the girls’ competition, Adel Watt (11), of Prince Henry Grammar School, and Georgia Holden (6), of Crossley Heath, both shot 72, Watt winning the title on countback.

One of the youngest competitors in the field, Amelia Wormald (28 handicap), of Wakefield Girls’ High School, deserves a special mention for shooting a gross 108 on an unfamiliar and challenging course.

Running concurrently with the individual stroke play competition was a team Stableford event, with two of three scores counting.

Holmfirth, represented by Isaac Turner, Tom Pearson and Jamie Walker, finished convincing winners, ahead of Crossley Heath's team of Matthew Holden, Georgia Holden and Gregory Hudson-Hunter) and Leeds City College 1 (Joel Smith and Joshua Whittam).

The top teams will progress to the county finals at Low Laithes GC next month.