THE Royal Jersey Golf Club’s junior team secured a place on the national stage after claiming the Hampshire Green Jacket title with a composed display at Hockley Golf Club on Sunday.
The trio of Aiden Wilson, Marley Austin-Vautier and Oliver Bourke came through two closely contested matches to lift the trophy and book their place in the English Junior Club Finals at Woodhall Spa next month.
Royal Jersey first overcame Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club in the morning semi-final, with the competition decided by the best two Stableford scores from each team.
Wilson, playing off a handicap of two, returned a solid 37 points, while 16-handicapper Vautier produced the standout round of the morning with an excellent 43 points.
Bourke added 32 points, leaving Royal Jersey’s counting score of 80 comfortably ahead of Shanklin and Sandown’s 75.
That victory set up a final against Bramshott Hill Golf Club, where the islanders were pushed all the way.
Wilson again provided a dependable start with 35 points, although his opponent Charlie Ship carded an impressive 40 points, helped by an eagle on the 18th after holing out from off the green.
Vautier continued his outstanding form, firing 41 points to beat Harry Pollard’s 36 and level the teams on the two counting scores at 76 points apiece.
It left Bourke’s round to decide the destination of the title, and the eight-handicapper held his nerve superbly.
A steady 34-point return proved enough to overcome Jackson Porter’s 30, sealing victory for Royal Jersey.
The success means the island champions will now represent Hampshire at the English Junior Club Finals, to be held at Woodhall Spa on August 11 and 12, where they will compete against the best junior club teams from across England.
