Ian Poulter Invitational sees youngsters shine

IAN POULTER's Invitational tournament, sponsored by IJP Design, took place at Woburn Golf Club this week.

Harvey Byers, 14, of Walton Heath, was the gross score and overall Ian Poulter Invitational winner with a impressive round of 74.

Byers earned his invitation to meet his hero Poulter by winning the Laddie Lucas Spoon on the 25th anniversary of the prestigious national event, whose past winners include new US Open champion Justin Rose.

Poulter, who spoke exclusively to Golfmagic following his impressive tie for third in the Open Championship last week, was full of admiration for his junior event now in its eighth year.

"The IJP Invitational is extremely important to me," said the European Ryder Cup hero.

"I am committed to help develop Junior Golf not just in the UK but all over the world. I am also very conscious of how expensive junior golf can be.

"Everyone that qualifies for the event plays for free, there are no entries fees at all and there never will be.

"The Ian Poulter Invitational is all about bringing together the most talented junior golfers from across the UK and giving them an opportunity to experience competition at a high level.

"Take them away from the comfort zone of their club or local area and give them insight into what it’s like competing against other great golfers on a championship course.

"Hopefully we can grow this invitational and go a bit more global over the next few years.”

Eddie Hamilton claimed the nett title, winning on countback with a score of 69.

Prizes were awarded for the top-three in each gross and nett competitions, as well as a Beat Ian Poulter competition, best hair, best dressed, nearest the pin and longest drive.

Ian Poulter Invitational Winners

Harvey Byers (1st gross and overall winner - score 74)
Lucas Stewart (2nd gross - score 75)
Rhys Nevin-Wharton (3rd gross - score 76)

Eddie Hamilton (1st nett - score 69 cb)
Michael Sumner (2nd nett - score 69)
James McCormack (3rd nett - score 70)

Ben Bushnell (Beat Ian - 3'7")
Reece Goodyear (Best Hair)
Ross Loverage (Best Dressed)
James Higham (Nearest the Pin)
David Evans (Longest Drive)

For more information about Poulter's apparel business IJP Design, visit www.ijpdesign.com. Any orders over £60 on IJPDesign.com from NOW until Sunday will receive a signed photo of Ian!