GB&I Walker Cup hopeful Frank Kennedy wins the Lytham Trophy

April 30, 2023 | by Jim Young of AmateurGolf.com

Frank Kennedy (L) and Fanny Sunneson (Royal and Lytham & St. Annes)

With famed caddy Fanny Sunneson carrying his bag, Kennedy finishes off a two-stroke victory at Royal Lytham & St. Annes

Frank Kennedy increased his chances of being selected to the Great Britain & Ireland squad for the 49th Walker Cup at St. Andrews in September by winning the Lytham Cup on Sunday at The Open venue in Lancashire, England.

With famed caddy Fanny Sunneson carrying his bag, the Florida-based English teenager fired rounds of 70-68-68-72 for a 2-under-par total of 278 to earn a two-stroke victory over Welshman James Ashfield and Spaniard Luis Masaveu at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

Kennedy, who is one of 19 players in contention for selection in the Great Britain and Ireland team to play the United States of America in the Walker Cup Match at the Old Course in September was deftly guided around the Lancashire links course that has hosted 11 Open Championships by Sunneson, who enjoyed a 14-year partnership with Nick Faldo that yielded six major titles.

After carding a bogey-free 68 on Saturday, the 17-year-old took a four-shot lead into the final round over James Ashfield of Cheshire and completed his title run with a 2-over round of 72 on Sunday.

It was Kennedy's second win in the last 14 months, following his impressive victory at the Portuguese International Amateur Championship in February of 2022, when he set a 72-hole scoring record for the championship at 19-under en route to a wire-to-wire four-stroke victory.

Kennedy will learn his Walker Cup fate in August when the 10-man Great Britain & Ireland team is announced by the Royal & Ancient and GB&I captain Stuart Wilson.

Results: Lytham Trophy

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Frank Kennedy	, England	1200	70-68-68-72=278
T2	James Ashfield	, Wales	900	73-66-71-70=280
T2	Luis Masaveu	, Spain	900	70-68-74-68=280
T4	Hugh Foley	, Ireland	700	74-68-71-69=282
T4	Sam Easterbrook	, England	700	74-67-71-70=282

View full results for Lytham Trophy

About the Lytham Trophy

GB&I Walker Cup hopeful Frank Kennedy wins the Lytham Trophy

In the early 1960s some of the senior Members of the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club felt that there was a gap in the amateur golfing calendar and the need for a major 72 hole scratch competition. Help was given by the English Golf Union to launch...