Biennial challenge match with France returns after four-year-gap
England Golf have named a strong side to take on France as the biennial challenge match between the two countries takes place for the first time in four years later this month.
St-Nom-La-Breteche GC, which will co-host the World Amateur Team Championship in August, will welcome 16 of the best amateurs in Europe with recently-crowned Lytham Trophy winner John Gough leading a powerful-looking England eight.
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Lancashire-based Jack Brooks is also included in the team which will do battle at the Paris course on May 14-15. British Boys champion Jack Bigham and English Stroke Play champion Sam Bairstow are also included.
In January England beat France 6.5-2.5 on their way to finishing runner-up to Spain in the Costa Ballena Men’s Octangular International Challenge. Five of that six-man team will play in two weeks.
England team for France challenge match:
• Sam Bairstow (Hallowes)
• Jack Bigham (Harpenden)
• Jack Brooks (The Mere)
• Zach Chegwidden (Orsett)
• Arron Edwards-Hill (Chelmsford)
• John Gough (Beaconsfield)
• Joe Harvey (The Kendleshire)
• Olly Huggins (Frilford Heath)
“I am delighted to have been selected, it’s an honour to travel abroad and represent our country,” said Brooks.
“We have a great team spirit within the England squad and it’s good feeling to be a part of such a strong talented team of players travelling to Paris in a couple of weeks.
“We played against them in January at Costa Ballena and beat them so I’m sure they will be trying their best to get one back on us infront of a home crowd. We have a lot of experience in the England set up and will be going out there to win.”
First played in 1934, England haven’t lost in the event since 2010 and are the current holders of the title having beaten the home side 13-7 at the Nice-based Vidauban Golf Club in 2018.
The format of the competition see four foursomes matches and eight singles matches played on each day.