Spooner marks pro switch with 1836 victory

Billy Spooner, the Junior Sportsman of the Year, collected his trophy from Boston Standard sports editor Duncan Browne, on behalf of sponsors Dewhurst Trophies.

Billy Spooner marked only his third competition as a professional golfer by claiming joint first place.

And he did so in style, with an eagle on the final hole.

The 17-year-old and Scott Cation tied for first at Mottram Hall as part of the Manchester-based 1836 Tour.

Both shot under par 70s on a day when the course was playing long, especially the back nine.

Spooner, from Wyberton and who is attached to Woodhall Spa Golf Club, finished superbly in  Cheshire.

After two bogeys he holed a 50-yard second shot for an eagle at the 15th to go two under for his round, but gave them straight back with a double at the tough 17th hole.

That did not deter him as he made his second eagle of the day at the par-five 18th.

Spooner recently won the Junior Sportsman of the Year title at the Boston Standard Sports Awards.

There he explained his decision to turn pro to compere Scott Dalton.

“It was the best decision for me,” he said.

“It’s the best place to help me develop and progress.

“My ambition is to play on the European Tour and I want to be there as quickly as I can. I know I can be good enough.”

Spooner is seen collecting his Junior Sportsman trophy from Boston Standard sports editor Duncan Browne, on behalf of sponsors Dewhurst Trophies.