University of Exeter Invitational Links Trophy huge success

Despite a strong start for the University of Stirling player, who played opening rounds of 71 and 72, the competition was incredibly close. Going into the final day Cormac was just four shots clear of the chasing pack.

Irish international Gary Hurley, England under 18 squad member Jack Singh Brar and Cornwall county player Matt Richards all played incredibly well, and with nine holes to play the title could have gone in any direction. Sharvin, however, overcame the 25mph winds and exceptionally quick greens in the final round to produce a back nine of two under par (finishing on 75) and wrestle the title from Gary Hurley by just one shot with a 218 total. Matt Richards took third place with 220.

The team event was won by the ISGA (Independent Schools Golf Association) with a total of 443 between players Jack Singh Brah (Ireland), Callum Hill (North Berwick, Scotland) and Jack Sallis (Notts Golf Club). Stirling ‘2’ finished second on 445 with Cornwall rounding out the top three with 447.

The quality of the student and youth field ensured that the tournament was an outstanding success. Craig Townsend, organiser and University of Exeter Golf Performance Manager said: “Trevose was the ideal venue for a class international competition at this time of year. Very quick greens, tough pin positions, a course measuring well over 7000 yards with a 25 mph wind on the final day made it a serious test. The smart players rose to the top and we had some fantastic golf.”

University of Exeter golfer Chris Johnston featured for the strong Cornwall side, finishing sixth individually, despite the event being his first major tournament since September. The University of Exeter Golf 1^st team finished 8^th overall following an impressive season in the British Universities and Colleges Sport competition. In February they won the BUCS Premier South league and have made it through to the semi-finals of the BUCS knockouts, taking place this week.

Golf is one of the University of Exeter’s focus sports, the High Performance Golf Programme is a field leader and supported by the R and A. Scholarships are available for elite men and women golfers who aspire to compete at the highest level.

Next year’s event is planned for the same weekend in March at Trevose. The competition will be run over 54 holes and will feature top UK university teams plus selected guest in a five man team format.

If you are interested in entering a team please contact Craig Townsend on 07809511971.