Golfer Jake Hibbert wins Cheshire Championship Matchplay

The 19-year-old, who is a member at Warrington and Delamere Forest Golf Clubs, won the men’s Championship Matchplay Trophy at Sandiway Golf Club – just another accolade in his quest to reach regular, professional tournaments.

And it was a fine way to mark his return from his studies in America.

“It’s nice,” said Hibbert from Appleton.

“First event back since being in America and I didn’t play too well in the stroke play but definitely played much better in the match play and never really felt out of control of my game which was nice.”

In November, he made the headlines for beating the course record around Miami Shores Country Club during the third round of the Golfweek Miami Amateur.

It has been achievement after achievement for the former Bridgewater High School pupil, so what is next?

“Just keep pushing on really. I’ve got another three years in America getting a degree, improving each day and getting more experience in tournaments," he said.

“Hopefully one day I’ll be on tour.”

Jake Hibbert with the Cheshire Championship Matchplay shield

Having been studying and playing over 4,260 miles away for nearly the last year, Hibbert is pleased to be back and back to winning ways.

“It’s a nice change of scenery. I’ve been in Florida since August and being back in England, it’s just nice to see everyone. See my friends, see my family, see my coach and get back playing over here," he said.

“Warrington’s improved a lot over the last few months. From what I’ve heard from my friends even in the winter months when the weather has been poor it’s still been going in good condition.

“Even since I’ve been back since the start of May it’s definitely improved since then."

Have Warrington and Delamere courses influenced Hibbert’s development? “Yeah definitely,” he said.

“Just trying to play as much as possible is one of the main things. You can do all the practice but at the end of the day it’s down to when you play and how to get it around the golf course.”