Yorkshire 16-year-old Ben Schmidt became the youngest-ever winner of the Brabazon Trophy today, finishing on 13-under par and winning by five shots at Alwoodley Golf Club, Leeds.
Schmidt pips major winners Sandy Lyle and Charl Schwartzel who were respectively 17 and 18 when they won the English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play - one of the most sought-after titles in international men's amateur golf.
“Being the youngest makes it even more special,” said Schmidt, who was under par in all four rounds of the championship, scoring 69 64 69 69.
“I’m just so pleased I got over the line, it takes a very long time to play the back nine when you’re in the lead!”
The teenager, from Rotherham Golf Club, is the second successive Yorkshire player to win the Brabazon, following Nick Poppleton’s success in 2018 – and the third in the last four years.
Schmidt, who was cheered by the large crowd of spectators as he signed off with a par on the 18th, said: “This means so much. It’s nice to keep it in Yorkshire and it was awesome to see so many supporters, friends and family.
“I’m just so glad I managed to keep the lead from day two, that’s probably been the toughest part, but I got it done and it’s just amazing!”
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