GB&I Walker Cup hopeful Frank Kennedy wins the Lytham Trophy
Frank Kennedy (L) and Fanny Sunneson (Royal and 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.
ABOUT 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 the event and to
select entrants. The Scottish, Irish, Welsh and
County Unions and various eminent players
were approached for their support. All gave it
willingly and so was born the Lytham Trophy.
It is held each year over the Bank Holiday
Weekend at the beginning of May. It is now
played solely at Royal Lytham with one round
being played on the Friday and Saturday and
the final two rounds, for those that have made
the cut, on the Sunday.
Every winner takes away a replica for the
handsome "Sputnick" trophy which was
donated by Members subscriptions. All have
been international golfers of the highest
quality
and many have gone on to be successful
Professionals.
The entry is now of the highest calibre from
all
parts of the UK and Eire and in recent years
from all over Europe.
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