George Saunders cruises to four-shot victory at Hampshire Salver

April 12, 2025 | by Amit Pandey of AmateurGolf.com

George Saunders (VCU Athletics Photo)

George Saunders closed out the weekend with rounds of 66 and 69 to seal a commanding four-shot victory

George Saunders made the most of home comforts this weekend, putting together four strong rounds to win the Hampshire Salver by four shots at Blackmoor Golf Club. The 25-year-old from Liphook, East Hampshire, finished at 8-under par with rounds of 63-70-66-69.

The Hampshire Salver is no easy feat. It combines two of the county’s top amateur events—the Selborne Salver and the Hampshire Hog—into one grueling 72-hole test across two days. To come out on top, you’ve got to be sharp from start to finish. Saunders did just that.

Fresh off a runner-up finish at last week’s Berkhamsted Trophy, he opened the weekend with a blistering 63 in the Selborne Salver and followed it with a 70 to finish second in that event at 5-under. Ben Willis took the Selborne title with a brilliant 9-under total, thanks to a sparkling 61 in round two.

But the tables turned on Saturday. While Willis slipped with rounds of 75 and 71 in the Hampshire Hog to fall to fifth overall, Saunders stayed rock solid. He shot 66 in round three and carried a five-shot lead into the final round, where a composed 69 sealed the win.

Stratford-on-Avon’s Jack Drury made a late run with a 65 and 64 on Sunday to finish second at 4-under, but Saunders was never really threatened.

It’s a satisfying win for Saunders, who finished fourth in this event last year. He played in eight ranked events in 2024, notching three top-10s, including a share of second at Berkhamsted Trophy.

As for the defending champion, Jackson Garnett had a tough weekend, ending in a tie for 38th at 16-over.

Results: Hampshire Salver

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	George Saunders	, England	300	63-70-66-69=268
2	Jack Drury	, England	200	71-72-65-64=272
T3	Jack Diment	, England	100	70-65-70-69=274
T3	Sam De'Ath	, England	100	67-68-70-69=274
5	Ben Willis	, England	100	68-61-75-71=275

View full results for Hampshire Salver

About the Hampshire Salver

George Saunders cruises to four-shot victory at Hampshire Salver

Unique 72-hole stroke play competition played over two days that is actually the combination of two separate competitions. On day one 36 holes (the Selborne Salver) are played at Blackmoor GC, and on day two 36 holes (the Hampshire Hog) are played at...