Tyler Weaver today put on a true exhibition of outstanding golf as he became the new name on the Carris Trophy at its spiritual home of Moor Park Golf Club.
Tyler Weaver holds the Carris Trophy after winning the 2023 event at Moor Park Golf Club. The Bury St Edmunds golfer closed with a superb final round of 68 to add to previous scores of 68, 69 and 67 to finish on -16 for the championship and win by five shots from Italy’s Giorgio Celani.
Celani’s runner-up status in Hertfordshire came courtesy of a mesmerising final round of 63 (-9) which included nine birdies and a fabulous eagle at the 485 yard, par-five fifth, much to the delight of his Italian teammates.
Netherlands’ Loran Appel finished third on -9 while Goodwood’s Drew Sykes ended the tournament on -8 which was enough to secure him fourth spot.
For Weaver, he was left to reflect on a tremendous four days of golf and his name will now join those of Justin Rose, Sandy Lyle, David Gilford and Ken Brown – major champions and Ryder Cup players – on the famous trophy that has been played for since 1935.
It is another addition to Weaver’s trophy cabinet following his win in the 2022 English Under 18 Amateur Championship at Woodhall Spa Golf Club and a richly deserved success for the Suffolk golfer having led since the end of the opening day.
Going into the final round, he was two shots clear of Appel and the pair were presented with excellent conditions for golf on the final day with little to no wind and the typical English summer rainfall having drifted away.
Weaver started out in consistent form, as his brand of faultless golf saw him make par on the first eight holes before an impressive birdie on the ninth helped him make the turn in 36 shots.
Appel wasn’t going away though and he remained just two shots behind following the front nine but the first four holes of the sprint for home saw Weaver apply real pressure and, ultimately, clinch the title.
Birdies at the par-three 10th and the par-five 13th for Weaver, combined with dropped shots at 12 and 13 for the Dutchman, meant the overnight leader had stretched his advantage but stirrings were being made elsewhere on the course.
A few groups in front of the leaders, Celani had posted an incredible final round of 63 (-9) to put himself into the clubhouse lead thanks to a masterful display of stunning drives and excellent putts.
That pressure from the Italian meant Weaver could ill-afford any mistakes and he despite dropping a shot at 15, he bounced back brilliantly to make birdies at 16 and 17 and secure the trophy that his phenomenal play deserved.
“I’m really happy with my week. I was definitely comfortable this morning because I knew I was playing good golf and I just wanted to get out there and get going,” admitted Weaver.
“You need to pay attention to other scores coming in from around the course so you know what you’re doing but obviously it was a little bit easier to keep an eye on what my playing partner Loran was doing!"
“The course here at Moor Park has been in great condition, the greens were rolling really well and it was nice to play a course in such superb condition.
“It was nice to have loads of my England teammates there supporting me at the end, as well as my parents, so I really can’t thank them all enough. It has been a great week!”
Weaver was also part of the England team that won the Nations Cup at the championship. He teamed up with Sam Easterbrook and Harry Malin to claim that prize ahead of The Netherlands.
The Hazards Salver for the top under 16 boy from GB&I was won by Colne Valley’s Charlie Rusbridge on -1.
Next year’s Carris Trophy will take place at Ormskirk Golf Club in Lancashire from 23-26 July 2024.