NFSSP News Story

'Golf Xtreme' Par 3 - Paultons Golf Club
1st June 2009

The New Forest School Sports Partnership organised it’s first ever ‘Golf Xtreme’ Competition to find the best school team from across the Forest. The competition was hosted by Paulton’s Golf Club and it took place on their extremely well kept Par 3 Academy Course. The weather couldn’t have been any better as it was a fantastic sunny day and the skill from all the players was a hot as the temperature! The competition format was based on Texas Scramble which meant that each team had to work together to achieve the best score and everyone contributed.

When the competition got underway it was the Testwood ‘A’ team that began the afternoon and they got off to a great start by paring the 1st hole. They were followed by Arnewood ‘A’ Team teeing off 2nd. Testwood ‘B’ Team began their competition well by also paring the 1st and seemly being the main contenders to fight for one of the top three spots.

Prizes were on offer for the top three finishing teams in the shape of gold, silver and bronze medals in presentation cases, with a crystal style trophy for the winners. Along with these came the opportunity for each player to win shot of the day, awards decided by the 3 young leaders. The three shots of the day winners were: Liam McCauley for a 30ft putt (Arnewood ‘B’ Team); Heather Smith for a fantastic chip shot (Arnewood ‘A’ Team) and Charlie McDonald for a superb par saving putt (Testwood ‘A’ Team).

Testwood ‘A’ Team posted a good total score of 33 (6 over par) and were sitting nervously to see if the other teams coming in would challenge that total. They remained in the lead until the 2nd from last team came in and carded a 32 to win by 1 shot! It was their Testwood rivals the
‘B’ Team! Coming a creditable 3rd place in the competition were Priestlands, receiving the bronze medals.

The competition was a great success and there is every opportunity for this to grow in the future and attract further support from schools in the NFSSP.