Drury beats conditions to claim medal victory

PRACTICE made perfect for Jack Drury as he won Stratford Golf Club’s April medal – the first of the year – in extremely windy conditions.

The 22-year-old won both the nett and gross prizes after shooting a fine five under par gross round of 67 (net 70).

Drury, a plus-three handicapper, suffered a persistent shoulder injury last year which halted his competitive career for several months and rated his sub-par round as one of his best in view of the difficult playing conditions.

He said: “Over the last few weeks I’ve been working with my coach on hitting a lower ball flight to combat cross winds and all the hours or practice came good. However, it was still really tough going with the course playing long at this time of year to return a bogey-free round with five birdies, helped by taking just 27 putts.

“My handicap has now come down to plus-four, which is a great confidence boost, as this will also help me to secure entry into the major amateur events this year including the Welsh,

English and Scottish championships.”

Drury works part-time in the club shop and has set his sights set on attaining a plus-five handicap in 2024.