The Brabazon is the Strokeplay Championship of England. Pre-qualifying happens on a regional basis with 30 qualifiers from 128 entrants in both regions joining the exempt players in the final field of 150 for the main. The highest handicap playing in the qualifiers is scratch.

Trying to win a place at The Berkshire qualifier today were Wiltshire's finest: Ben Stow (Rushmore) +2.3, Jordan Smith (Bowood) +1.1 and Josh Loughrey (Wrag Barn) +1.9.
I had the pleasure of caddying for Josh today, an early start from home at 5.30 for a 7.20 tee time and he made the most of the perfect early morning conditions. Missing the green at the first, a tough 220 yards par 3, Josh got up and down to save par. A short birdie putt at the next just missed but was followed by 4 birdies in a row...4 under after 6. Hitting every green in regulation except that first hole Josh had three 3 putt greens but rolled in three more birdies including one on the last, curling, left to right, 15 feet downhill...beauty! Fantastic golf, a pleasure to watch.

Josh Loughrey with the Colts Trophy, won last year at Kingsdown

67 from Josh put him 2 ahead of Jordan Smith with a 69 and for a large part of the day they were in 1st and 2nd places. A late 66 from Luke Cornford relegated Josh to 2nd, Jordan finished in 5th and Ben Stow playing later in the day finished in 13th after a level par 71. 

A great performance by the Wiltshire boys, all qualified for the Brabazon main event and joining them will be Josh's brother Ben who is exempt from pre-qualifying.

The Brabazon is being played at Burnham and Berrow from 23-26th June. Why not come along, support the Wiltshire boys, watch the very best players in the country and tomorrows tour stars in action.