Injury forces Jack to withdraw from contest

There was disappointment last week for Galashiels golfer Jack McDonald, when a hand injury forced him to pull out of a prestigious tournament in England.
Jack McDonaldJack McDonald
Jack McDonald

Jack had travelled to Broadstone Golf Club in Dorset to play in the English Boys Under 18 Strokeplay (The Carris Trophy).

His confidence was high after finishing third in the scratch section in the Torwoodlee Men’s Open with a score of one under par, the day before he headed for the south west.

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There were over 200 entries for the event with a field size of only 132, with the handicap ballot being 1.

It started out as a three-day tournament, with two 18-hole qualifying rounds on the first two days.

The top 40 and ties would make it through to the last day, which was 36 holes.

Heavy rain on the Monday night and Tuesday morning left the course unplayable, which meant the first round of qualifying was cancelled.

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The weather improved the following day to allow play to resume but this increased the pressure on the boys, as it was now an 18-hole qualifier.

Jack (pictured on back page) played some solid golf to make the cut at two over par, which was a great achievement.

Day three started fine and dry, with another weather warning in place for the area later in the day. Jack started his round well and was level par through six holes.

Unfortunately, he injured his hand in the heather at the seventh hole.

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He tried to continue for a few holes but the pain was affecting his golf and he made the tough decision to retire.

This was hugely disappointing for Jack, as it was his last major junior tournament before he moves into the men’s section next year.

The fourth round did eventually get cancelled due to heavy rain again and the tournament was decided over 36 holes.