Castle Point schoolboy golfers Michael Bruce and Charlie Loveday travelled to Abridge for that club's prestigious junior open competition -- and returned as major winners.

Both are aged 14 and Michael, a pupil at Furtherwick Park School, pipped his friend Charlie, who goes to Cornelius Vermuyden, on countback for the handicap honours.

Swinging success - for Michael Bruce (right) and Charlie Loveday Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Michael, who plays off 14, was 12 over for each of his two rounds while Charlie is an 18-handicapper.

Apart from being regulars at the Castle Point course in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, both are members of the highly-talented cadets squad at South Benfleet's Boyce Hill club.

Michael said: "There was a big field at Abridge and we were both delighted to get among the prizes.

"Both of us love to play golf as much as possible and we'd love to go as far as we can in the game. Charlie is a big Tiger Woods fan and Ernie Els is my favourite golfer."

Michael is the first member of his family to take up the game, but Charlie's dad is a single-handicap golfer at Three Rivers.

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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