Saltash rising golf stars thrilled to reign in Spain

WHILE golf has been affected by the big freeze sweeping across South West fairways this week, two young aces from Saltash have teed off the year in scorching form.

St Mellion teenager Sammie Giles has returned from Spain and a successful defence of the Andalucia Junior European Open girls' title.

The 17-year-old had to pip her final opponent in a play-off to win the title in 2011, but this year she was too hot for the field and won by a seven shot margin after scoring 230 over three testing rounds.

China Fleet's Sam Church, was also in red hot form in Spain as he celebrated turning 16 in style with his first "big win".

Church claimed the boys' Andalucia Junior European Open by two shots – from joint runners-up Bradley Hudson and Sam Lemon – after topping the tournament leaderboard with a final score of 220.

The Saltash teenager fired a final round 73 at Finca Cortesin to clinch the prestigious early-year junior title after qualifying round scores of 72 and 75.

Church said: "I was one shot ahead going into the final round but Sam Lemon started birdie, birdie so I had my work cut out. I tried putting what he was doing out of my mind and concentrated on my own game, which proved the best thing to do."

Giles scored back to back 76s to qualify for the final round at Finca Cortesin, stage for the Volvo World Matchplay Championship.

He said: "I shot a final 78 to win it again and am really pleased.

"It's the last big event that I play in before the senior county championships in April so I wanted to do well again.

"It was great winning the first time but even better this time.

"We were lucky with the weather, especially considering how cold it has been here this week.

"Out there it only rained once and the temperatures were 20 degrees and above.

"It would be cool until late morning but then it would be really warm for the rest of the day.

"You play four qualifying rounds with your two best scores to count before playing the final at Finca Cortesin, which is an amazing course.

"Obviously, it's a great way to start the year and I can't wait until April to be playing competitive golf again."

This year's Cornwall Ladies Championships are at West Cornwall from April 16-20.

Giles had a memorable 2011 teeing off with her win in Andalucia and then going on to reach the semi-finals of the senior county championships to cement her place in the Cornwall Ladies first team.

She also won the South West girls' championships at Lyme Regis.

Church hopes his Spanish success will act as a springboard for a similar up-turn in his golfing progress this year as he seeks to build on finishing runner-up in last summer's county junior under 16 championships at Newquay.

He said: "Winning in Spain was amazing and has really boosted my confidence.

"It was my first big win and now I just want to enter more competitions and improve as much as I can."