FOR the second year running, there was a dramatic conclusion to the scratch competition in the Leslies Motors Island Junior Masters at Westridge.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Harrison Knights, this year's scratch winner.  Photo: Gordon Debenham 

As it was last year, it all came down to a three-hole play-off, with 14-year-old Harrison Knights victorious on his home turf.

It was particularly disappointing for beaten finalist and club-mate, Jon Exon-Taylor, 17, who lost the same way to last year’s winner, Nick Matthews, of Newport Golf Club.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Jon Exon-Taylor, who lost play-offs this year and last year in the IW Junior Masters.  Photo: Gordon Debenham 

After both scored 66 during the premier Isle of Wight 18-hole junior event, Harrison finally sealed the win at the third play-off hole, with a gallery of over 60 people following the climax of the day.

The Division 1 Handicap saw Harrison also beat Joe Green by four strokes with a net 57.

Campbell Laird (net 57) scooped the Division 2 handicap event — beating Westridge Golf Club’s junior captain, Will Lakin (59), and Westridge player, Harry Lake (61).

Isle of Wight County Press:

Joel Tarry, who won the nearest the pin prize, playing a bunker at Westridge Golf Club. Photo: Gordon Debenham 

After the event, Harrison said: “I’m not only delighted to win the event this year, but am thrilled to do so at my home club where I’ve learnt to play the game and in front of so many people.

“I look forward to defending my title next year.”

Isle of Wight County Press:

Harrison Knights teeing off from the first hole.  Photo: Gordon Debenham 

Neil Doble, of sponsors Leslies Motors, presented trophies and medals.

Westridge proprietor, Mark Wright, said: “Wow! What a terrific display of golf from the young people. We look forward to welcoming everyone back once again next year to this fantastic event.”

Isle of Wight County Press:

Last year's scratch winner, Nick Matthews.  Photo: Gordon Debenham 

RESULTS

Scratch winner: Harrison Knights (Westridge Golf Club) 66; runner up: Jon Exon-Taylor (Westridge) 66; third: Joe Green (Shanklin and Sandown) 67; handicap, Division 1 (stroke play), winner: Harrison Knights (nett 57); runner up: Joe Green (nett 61); third: Jon Exon-Taylor (nett 64); Division 2 (stroke play), winner: Campbell Laird (Shanklin and Sandown) nett 57; runner up: Will Lakin (Westridge) nett 59; third: Harry Lake (Westridge) nett 61; nearest the pin: Joel Tarry (5ft 1in); longest drive: Matthew Hickman (245 yards).