U18 Six Man Qualifier
The squad featured considerable youth with three U16 players making the team. With only two players departing next year, the foundation for future success remains strong. In particular the impressive strength in depth within the U15/U16/U17 age groups.
middlesex u18 boys 6 man team
England Golf South EastRegional 6 Man Event
Venue:Clandon Regis Golf Club
Date:Practice Round – 2nd July 2025; Competition – 3rd July 2025
Format:36 holes Scratch Medal, (best 5 individual scores from both rounds)
Team Captain:Suhaan Shaik (C)
Players:Harry Dagger, Stanley Rafferty, Will Edwards, Rohan Patel, Oscar
Tierney, Zak Mundy (Reserve)
Team Performance Summary
Middlesex finished in 9th place out of 11 teams with a total score of +46 (766
gross), representing a notable improvement from their position in the previous
year’s competition. The team posted rounds of 385 and 381, demonstrating
consistency across both rounds of competition.
While the team showed considerable improvement and effort, they faced
formidable opposition from Hertfordshire, who dominated the field with a
tournament-winning score of -15 (705 gross), followed by Essex at -3 (717
gross). The standard of play from these leading counties was exceptionally
high, with multiple players recording sub-par rounds.
Individual Highlights
Harry Dagger delivered the team’s standout performance, finishing tied 15th
individually with a total of +2 (146 gross), recording an excellent level-par
round in the first round. His consistent play throughout both rounds
exemplified the quality within the Middlesex junior ranks.
Stanley Rafferty matched Harry’s first round score with a level-par round in
his second round, demonstrating his low scoring capability.
Will Edwards, Rohan Patel and Suhaan Shaik scoring solid rounds of +3 in the
first rounds and seconds rounds respectively.
Oscar Tierney and Rohan Patel scoring a solid +7 on the first and second
rounds respectively to contribute to good team scores.
All players showed they could compete at the highest level against the region’s
best junior golfers. All players should take heart from being able to produce
quality scoring in at least one of the two rounds. Unfortunately, the team were
note quite able to replicate scoring well in both rounds, but did excel in team
spirit, camaraderie and unity. Well done team!!
Competition Context
The tournament featured exceptional individual performances, with two
players tying for first place at -10 under par (134 gross), requiring a countback
to determine the winner. The quality of play was further highlighted by the fact
that the course record was broken twice, with two players achieving rounds of
65 (-7 under par).
Future Prospects
The strong representation of younger players within the team bodes extremely
well for future competitions. With the majority of the team available next year
and the evident depth of talent in the U15/U16/U17 age groups, Middlesex
appears well-positioned to make significant improvements in both league
competitions and the two-day championship event.
The experience gained from competing against the region’s strongest
counties, combined with the individual improvements demonstrated by all
team members, provides a solid foundation for continued development and
success in upcoming seasons.
Coaching and Preparation
Special recognition must go to Kevin Tierney (U16 Manager) for is huge support
in preparation and during the event. Having another manager there certainly
helped keep the players moral going. To the coaches Emily and Martin for their
exceptional preparation and on-course support throughout both practice
rounds and during the event. Their approach to course management, including
the examples for decision-making off the tee, provided invaluable strategic
guidance to the players.
The entire squad completed a comprehensive course walk the evening before
the competition. This session involved note-taking on pin positions and green
reading, demonstrating the professional approach that we will be taking
forward into next year’s junior squad programmes.
Conclusion
While the team fell a little short of the exceptional standards set by
Hertfordshire and Essex, the Middlesex U18 Boys team demonstrated clear
progress and significant potential. The combination of talented younger
players, improved overall team performance, and strong individual
contributions suggests that Middlesex golf can make significant gains forward
in the coming years.
The strength in depth at U15/U16/U17 level, positions the county well for
future competitions and league formats. We have a genuine optimism for
scoring significant points in next year’s events.
Cairbre Smith,U18 Boys Team Manager
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