Tom Lewis a Favorite in English Amateur


Following his headline-grabbing display in the Open Championship at Sandwich, where he won the silver medal as low amateur, Tom Lewis of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire now turns his attention to the English Amateur at Woburn Golf Club, which starts Monday and concludes July 30th.

The 20-year-old hopes to replicate his form at Royal St. George's as he seeks to reinforce his chances of making the GB&I Walker Cup team for the match against the United States at Royal Aberdeen in September. But first, Lewis must claim a place in the leading 64 players and ties after two qualifying stroke-play rounds, which begin on Monday at the Marquess Course, with a round at the Duchess Course at 2.40 p.m. on Tuesday.

Among others, Lewis will be competing against Neil Raymond, who will be chasing "the double," having already collected the Brabazon Trophy last month at Burnham & Berrow. Few players manage to win both titles in the same year, the most recent being Mark Foster, who won the English Amateur at Hunstanton in 1995 after sharing the Brabazon with current England captain Colin Edwards at Hillside.

Two other Englishmen, Darren Wright and Jack Senior are also among the favorites for the title, while contenders include Stiggy Hodgson, Dave Coupland, Steven Brown and Ben Loughrey.

A total of 288 players will be in Woburn seeking to join a long and exclusive list of English champions. After two days of stroke play, the leading 64 players and ties go forward to match play rounds on the Marquess Course. The championship culminates with a 36-hole final Saturday.

For updated scores and news, visit www.englishgolfunion.org.