Talented Market Drayton golfer Matt Birch has had a busy time of it since being recognised by the town’s golf club.
Matt, aged 18, collected one and a half points in his senior debut for Shropshire and Herefordshire last weekend as they beat Derbyshire 9-6 in their Midlands League clash at Hawkstone Park.
This after the former Grove School student came second in the Junior Order of Merit Trophy at the Shropshire Junior Matchplay championships earlier this month.
A photograph of Matt and plaque of his achievements take pride of place at Market Drayton Golf Club after he became the first member in it’s 100-year history to represent England.
All this while starting a sport business management degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
Matt said: “I never really saw myself going to university but at this time in my life, it’s the best option for me because I can study and play sport at the same time.
“Five years down the line, if I manage to improve my golf and get down to plus figures, it might be an option to play in some of the amateur tournaments.”
Matt said he still thinks about his England performance where he secured the winning point in their 10-8 win over Scotland in Glasgow last month.
“I was really nervous but I managed to hole a 12 to 15 foot putt which settled the nerves down,” he said.
“I struck the ball well all day but hit one bad shot on the 13th and went from three up to one up with three holes to play, so it got a bit nervy.
“But I managed to hold on and both my parents and girlfriend were there which was a great support.”
Matt also played in the English Boys Champion of Champions event three weeks ago over 36 holes at Woodhall Spa Golf Club in Lincolnshire.
He was seventh after 18 holes before some costly errors saw him slip to 17th out of 34 players.
His father Derek Birch said: “With everything that was going on, he was a bit tired and university is all new for him. But myself and his mum Heidi are immensely proud of what he’s achieved and I don’t think he realises what talent he’s got.
“With hard work and dedication, he has the ability to do well and we’ll be with him all the way.”
By Winston Brown