A successful season for Petersfield Golf Club junior member Ollie McDonald has culminated in The Petersfield School pupil winning the under-16 Hampshire Schools’ Golf Championship at Hockley Golf Club near Winchester.

After winning both the net and overall trophies, 13-year-old Ollie now goes through next summer to the England trials and qualifies for the England Nationals – where he will represent Hampshire.

On a challenging golf course in difficult weather conditions, Ollie persevered through the front nine holes while many others faltered.

Although he was ten over par and was not feeling great about his score, Ollie hit the back nine in style – having birdie putts on most holes and ending with a one under par for the nine holes.

He finished nine over par at the end of the round, which was 80 gross and 66 net – enough to secure the win.

Hampshire Schools’ Golf Association president Frank Hayward later presented Ollie with his prizes.

Ollie, who is taught by PGA teaching professional Donovan Hall at Petersfield Golf Club, said: “On the morning of the championship I thought it might not go ahead because of the dreadful weather conditions, but it was on – so I was determined to play my best to try to win.

“The first nine holes were brutal – cold, rainy and windy, all uphill with tough greens, wet and thick rough, along with wet fairways.

“I shot ten over par on the front nine, was disappointed and thought I was out of the running.

“But I never gave up hope as there was another nine holes to play and conditions were improving.

“I made a birdie on the par five 11th hole, which changed everything.

“I continued to give myself birdie opportunities and shot one under par on the back nine, playing as well as I possibly could, and went on to win the gross champion and net.

“I’m so happy and proud of my mental strength – this is something I couldn’t have done a year ago.”

The Petersfield School headteacher Mark Marande said: “We are all incredibly proud of Ollie’s achievements and he’s a real inspiration to his fellow students.

“He has shown great determination and I look forward to watching him progress further in the sport.”

Anyone who would like more information on Petersfield Golf Club should visit the club’s website.