Golf talent wins Sussex boys’ title

The Hastings-based player got the better of more than 70 of the best under-18 players from around the county at Mannings Heath Golf Club yesterday (Monday).

After a dramatic finish, Gibbs prevailed by one shot with a two-under-par total of 140 having trailed by one with one hole to play. It was his second Sussex championship having won the under-14 title four years ago.

The first round was played on the Kingfisher Course and Gibbs carded, by his standards, a below average three-over 73. This left him five shots behind the leader in tied 11th and with seemingly a mountain to climb.

But the afternoon round - played on the better quality, more difficult and longer Waterfall Course - brought about a complete change in form from the Sedlescombe Golf Club member.

Gibbs found every fairway and virtually every green, and his chipping and putting were awesome. Standing on the 17th tee, he was two shots behind his playing partner and tournament leader Jordan Vincent.

Knowing that he needed to birdie the last two holes to stand any chance of winning this prestigious event, Gibbs proceeded to calmly hole a 10-foot putt to birdie the 17th and was now only one shot behind.

Gibbs, 18, then holed a 25 foot right to left sloping putt for birdie on the last and Vincent could only manage a bogey after overshooting the green with his approach.

See Friday’s Hastings Observer for the full article.