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British golf - who to watch out for in 2017

There’s plenty to be excited about in the world of British golf. Here are our 5 players to watch in 2017…

03 November 2016 2 minute read British golf - who to watch out for in 2017
Scott Gregory at the 2016 Open. David Davies/PA Wire (TheOpen.com)

Britain has a long history of producing top quality golfers from the likes of Nick Faldo to current golden boy Danny Willett. And while some figures might suggest golf is falling out of favour with the youth of today, the swathes of talented young golfers coming through the ranks tell a different story.

Here are 5 of the most talented youngsters who could make an impact next year…

Scott Gregory

One of the oldest in the group, Gregory turned 22 this year as he topped the European Golf Rankings.

And it’s been quite a year for the young man from Hampshire, winning the 121st Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl.

Gregory is an England A international and, thanks to recent victories, secured a place in the 145th Open at Royal Troon. He started well at 4-under-par after 10 holes, but dropped 11 shots in the last 8 holes to finish with a 7-over-par 78. That, combined with his second round score of 73, meant he missed the cut

He’s also been invited to next year’s US Open at Erin Hills and received an invitation to the Masters Tournament in 2017.

Harry Goddard

At only 16 years old, this young lad who plays his golf at Hertfordshire’s Hanbury Manor is definitely one to watch.

He’s been racking up the victories already this year, winning the South East Junior Championship at John O'Gaunt in May and the U16 category in the England South Faldo Series at Old Fold Manor in July.

He was also selected to represent England at a number of competitions including a friendly match versus Spain in Madrid, the European Masters event in July, the Nations Cup, the English Boys Under 16 Strokeplay Championship and the Boys' Home International matches in Ireland.

With time on his side and plenty of natural ability, it won’t be long before we see him in the big events.
   
Bronte Law during day three of the Ricoh Women's British Open. Jon Buckle/PA Wire
Bronte Law during day three of the Ricoh Women's British Open. Jon Buckle/PA Wire
  

Bronte Law

Ranking 8th in the European Golf Rankings, Bronte Law is seen by many as England’s next big thing.

The 21 year old has proved her worth already this year, winning the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship in Sweden. She was one of just six top amateurs to accept invitations to the first Major championship of the season.

Law played in the 2016 ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club, California, after finishing 33rd in the 2012 Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Charlie Strickland

Turning 17 this year, Strickland plays his golf at Ham Manor on the south coast.

Alongside Harry Goddard, he was part of the England team that beat Scotland to the 2016 Boys’ Home International.

And it’s not his only success. So far he’s reached the quarter finals of the English Amateur Championship and was 4th in both the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and the Berkhamsted Trophy.

He also managed a very commendable third at the Qatar Amateur, missing a 4-foot putt on the 18th hole, which meant he missed being part of the play-off.

Isobel Wardle

Sixteen year old Isobel holds a very impressive 20th position in the European Golf Rankings and has already had a number of successes in her short career.

In the past two years she has been selected as part of the England Team competing in the Scottish U16 Championships, and was a member of the England Girls Squad.

In 2014, she finished second in the Cheshire Ladies Championships and 9th at the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters.

This year she’s already had a few good showings at various events including 8th at the St Rule Trophy, 5th at the English Girls Open and 2nd during the British Girls Championships.
   

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