The 2014 ISGA (Independent Schools’ Golf Association) Home Internationals were hosted by England and played at the stunning Worplesdon Golf Club on the 29th and 30th March. Loretto were representing Scotland while Haberdashers represented England, Monmouth Wales and Campbell College Ireland. The event is played over 36 holes with three scores counting from each round each day for the team score.
The weather for the first round was breezy but hot and sunny, and the course was in fantastic condition. Loretto got off to a fast start with Michael Hirmer leading the charge with a level par front nine before moving to two under par through 13 holes. In spite of dropping a few shots over the closing holes the team was very pleased to finish the first round with a nine-shot lead over Ireland. Final scores were Moritz Bock 72, Michael Hirmer 75, Marcus Crowe 75 and John Paul Ralph 80 for a team score of 222.
The second round was another warm day with calmer conditions but overcast. The team got off to another fast start lead by Michael Hirmer, this time getting to five under par before slipping to a one under par 70. Marcus Crowe played another steady round before falling foul of the tough 18th to finish with a 77. John Paul Ralph performed extremely well in his first National Final, carding the third counting score of 81 followed closely by Moritz Bock who was unable to find the form of his first round, carding an 82. This gave the team a final score of 451, stretching their lead over Ireland to 12 shots.
