Max Hopkins from Bishop’s Stortford, is looking to repeat the heroics of European Ryder Cup stars Justin Rose and Matthew Fitzpatrick this week after qualifying for the final of the 2017 Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship at Portugal’s prestigious Quinta do Lago resort.
Rose and Fitzpatrick are just two of the famous players to have triumphed in the event’s 30-year history, and Hopkins will be one of 12 boys and nine girls aiming to add their names to the winners’ list when the tournament takes place in the Algarve.
He will be looking to take the title from reigning champion Harry Goddard, 17, from Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, who posted an incredible course record on Quinta do Lago’s North Course last year as he recorded nine birdies on his way to an opening round 66, eventually winning by nine strokes.
Hannah Screen, from Berkhamsted is the defending girls’ champion as the 17-year-old recorded a two-shot win.
Hopkins, 14, whose home club is Bishop’s Stortford, booked his place in the elite line-up after finishing tied second in the Boys Gross competition final leaderboard after finishing six-under-par during qualifying at the Hertfordshire Golf Union.
He is in good form having finished second in the English Boys’ Under-16 Amateur and third in the North of England Boys’ Open this year.
