Grace Crawford and Charlie Rusbridge claim victory at Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship
Justin Rose with women’s winner Grace Crawford and men’s winner Charlie Rusbridge at Quinta do Lago – Luke Walker There were a few bleary-eyed golf…
There were a few bleary-eyed golf pros queuing at Gatwick Airport at stupid hours on Wednesday morning who were then glad they made the early morning trip to Faro – Justin Rose and Scott Rusbridge.
Of course, the former was on his way to the wonderful Quinta do Lago resort to watch the final round of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championship and was delighted to see Grace Crawford courageously win the women’s event.
And the latter, a PGA teaching professional, clearly made the right choice, despite some initial reluctance, to travel to the Algarve to watch his son win the boys division in devastating fashion.
“Dad called me last night, after the second round when I was four up, and asked me if it would make me too nervous if he came at the last minute to be here for the last 18 holes,” said Charlie Rusbridge, 16.
“I told him it would be great if he could and he was here, and of course, Justin too, made it even more special. They even traveled on the same EasyJet flight! It’s not every day you have a major champion watching you as you leave. It’s a day I will never forget.
Rusbridge eventually won by eight shots, but there were moments early on when it didn’t look so simple, with England international Ben Bolton chasing him en route to a 67 and Henry Styles, the golfer of Essex of the winner, making his own progress.
However, with a devastating nine-over 31, including five birdies and four pars, Rusbridge pulled away with a 67 of his own. “It’s funny, because I started the year with a win in Portugal in the Faldo Series and I finished it here in the Faldo series in the same country with a victory in the Justin event,” he said. “And they are an extremely inspiring couple.”
Indeed, Rusbridge’s success has already been dubbed “The English Legend Double”. “Yes, it’s been a great year, with my victory in the English under-18s [Championship, in July] proving to myself that I can compete and win against the best in this age group. My ambition next year is to play in the Junior Ryder Cup.
Crawford would like to do it herself. “But I’m too old!” said the 17-year-old, after a 74 on the difficult South Course allowed the Scot to hold off Lottie Woodham (73) by two shots. “It’s my last junior event and it’s the perfect way to end,” she added. “I’m going to American University in Alabama next year and yes, I will gain a lot of confidence from it.”
It’s an understatement to say that Rose was impressed. “Gosh, I’m glad I didn’t have to face those guys,” he said. “The level seems to be improving more and more. But it’s not just the quality of their games that is truly heartwarming to see, but also the camaraderie of the group. This is exactly how golf should be.
Final scores
Boys
C Rusbridge -12 (Colne Valley) 69, 68, 67
B Bolton -4 (Enville) 74, 71, 67
Styles H-4 (Romford) 72, 68, 72
Girls
Level G Crawford (North Berwick) 74, 68, 74
L Woodham +2 (West Hill) 72, 73, 73
At Peaford +3 (Walton Heath) 78, 70, 71
S Adams +3 (Royal Birkdale) 71, 76, 72.
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