Kukielka aces his way to sensational victory at the British Championships
An absolutely dominant display from Seve Kukielka saw him clinch the title by a whopping 14 shots. The sun was shining and the course was at its ace filled best which played into his very capable hands and allowed him to show his ruthless scorebuilding over the two day format. A truly dominant display the likes of which we haven’t often seen in the UK other than by Michael Smith or Marc Chapman in recent years. In 2nd place was Simon Brown, claiming a breakthrough first podium in a major having been knocking on the door for a couple of years. A scintillating back 9 over both days meant he was able to see off the rest of the field for silver. In 3rd was “greatest of all time” Michael Smith with a solid -39. Michael hasn’t missed a podium in the British Championships in well over a decade and it showed with him adapting shot and ball choice dynamically on the day to stay with the leaders and retain a comfortable spot in the top three!
Course local and Gloucester Aces member Matt took a well deserved Category win by a shot a round on average ahead of experienced previous winner and UK No3, Martin Greenhead. Martin fared well throughout most of the weekend with only a couple of lapses counting him out the running for the Seniors title. In 3rd, Foxes member Steve Hunt clinched a first British Champs medal with a great display hallmarked by some fantastic ace making, finally getting over the line after a dramatic four hole playoff with Steve Lovell.
Another course local Tony Davis clinched the Dave Donnelly Memorial Plate with a great display showing that practice makes (near) perfect. Tony showed his knowledge and effort at the course to beat some much more experienced competitors. Chris Smith took home a decent 2nd place medal with a dogged display which was enough to hold off Top 16 ranked favourite Richard Jones back in 3rd.
Yet another local with a fantastic display was Rachel King who scored consistently to claim her first ever Women’s title at the British Champs ahead of twelve (yes you read that right!) time winner Ruth Sturdy. Cindy Kukielka, the talented and experienced mother of overall winner Seve, took the final medal in a fascinating Category which maintained its drama until the final holes.
A mature classy performance by young Julian Teubler saw him pick up the coveted Junior title. Julian was more than a match for most adults on the course all weekend and is knocking on the door of Category 1 in the BMGA Rankings after his assured performance! Local youngsters Leah Cassidy and Finn McPherson also scored low to tie for 2nd, with Leah edging out Finn in a four hole playoff for silver. Both deserved their medals though and at several years younger than Julian both will fancy their chances at the Juniors title in the coming years! The play was astonishing from all three and they’re a credit to themselves, their parents and British minigolf.
It was an amazing British Championships at Aces Minigolf Gloucester! We have seen new winners in many Categories and a ridiculously high standard of play throughout the field, all on a new course to host a BMGA major. A special mention must also go to Ben Cassidy who toppled the course record by an incredibile 3-shots in his 6th round with a sensational 25, congratulations Ben a great achievement.
We’re sure that everybody there enjoyed the tounrament and thank you to everybody who took part, we can’t wait for the next major of the year at Strokes Adventure Golf October.
Full results can be found here
