DEFENDING Hampshire Hog champion Jordan Smith went one better this year by winning the Hampshire Salver title by a shot.

Smith, who made his debut in the Walker Cup last year for Great Britain & Ireland, won the Selbourne Salver at Blackmoor Golf Club in Hampshire on Saturday.

The Bowood member, who is 21, shot rounds of 68 and 68 on the par 69 layout and birdied the final hole to snatch the win by a shot.

He then attempted to defend his Hampshire Hog title at North Hants Golf Club on Sunday, but bad weather cut the event to 18 holes.

Smith finished the first round two over par 72, which left him tied for eighth – five behind the leader.

However, his combined score from the Selbourne Salver and the Hampshire Hog meant that Smith shot a level par 208 and captured the Hampshire Salver by a shot.

“Overall, I’m very happy to go one better than last year and win the Hampshire Salver, which has kicked off the year nicely,” said Smith.

“I played pretty solid over the past two days. Saturday was better weather wise, but Blackmoor greens are tricky, so being patient is key.

“Obviously, the weather was awful on Sunday, which made things tough, but I didn’t make any real mistakes, just didn’t make the birdies I needed either.

“I’m very excited by the year ahead, I feel I’m improving all the time and look forward to a successful season.”

Smith’s next amateur event is the Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham & St Annes on May 2-4.

The Ogbourne Downs club held its Junior Open event last week.

The main prize was the Liddiards Plate which went to the player with the best nett score. This was 28 handicap A 28 handicap player, Ben Wakeley, from Broome Manor, shot nett 64 to clinch the prize, presented by club ladies’ captain Shirley Solomon.

The best gross score was won by two handicapper Tom Law, also of Broome Manor, who carded an impressive one under par.

Max Cheesley played best of the Ogbourne juniors, winning place prizes for gross and nett as well as the John Waite Memorial trophy for the best gross score by an Ogbourne player.

The event was sponsored by Rob Dunn.

Meanwhile, more than 30 young golfers took part in the club’s junior sessions over Easter, with three – Sam Goddard, Lily Moore and Liam Moffat – given free junior membership after showing real promise.

North Wilts also hosted its own Open competitions.

Millie Davis, from Knowle, was the overall winner of the Girls’ Open, shooting six under her handicap. Lydia Ward won the short course event by one shot.

A total of 76 adult and junior pairs played in Saturday’s foursomes stableford event.

The winning pair of David Phillips and Luke Harding from Saltford amassed 42 points, three clear of the second-placed duos, which included father and son pair of Lee and Harry Church – last year’s winners.

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