GOLF: Teenager Craig is crowned County champion

Dunstable Downs trio Ryan Craig, Ryan Smith and Paul Kenna

In the 54-hole tournament played at the Bedfordshire Golf Club, Craig overcame a four shot deficit going into the final round to beat home club player Sebastian Lovell and secure the title.

In addition, the teenager was part of the team including fellow 17-year-old Ryan Smith and County captain Paul Kenna who secured the County Team title for Dunstable Downs.

This was Craig’s third County title in 2016, having recently secured the County Foursomes title with fellow member Brandon Black.

Dunstable will now go on to compete in England Golf’s Champion Club event to be played in September.

Meanwhile, the Dunstable Downs members took part in the 2016 Captain’s Day on Saturday.

Although the competition was curtailed from its normal 25 holes to just an 18-hole event, a full field of 122 players were in action and it was Mark Devereaux playing in the last group who retained the title with his 37 points pipping head greenkeeper Frank Scullion’s son Michael Scullion on countback.

A shot further back, third place was again decided by countback, with Terry Bodsworth beating Scott Kelly on 36 points.

Best Front Nine: 1, Liam Tracy, 19pts; 2, Ryan Baker; 3, Alan Philpot. Best Back Nine: 1, Tim Smith, 21pts; 2, Martin Jones, 20pts; 3, Craig Slessor, 19pts. Nearest the pin in two on the 17th: Dan Jones. Nearest the pin on the par three second hole: Gareth Evans. Longest Drive: Simon Aris. Veterans Prize: Ted Kenna, 35pts. Past Captain’s Prize: John Todd, 35pts. High Handicap Award: Mick Doyle, 24pts.