Proud golf champ Ben Schmidt reflects on third big tournament win of the year

GOLFER Ben Schmidt beamed "I can't tell you what this means to me" after ending a great year by lifting the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship.

The 17-year-old from Rotherham Golf Club secured the coveted title — dubbed junior golf's "unofficial major" — after a commanding few days at Portugal's famous Quinta do Lago resort.

Schmidt, who has already won the Brabazon Trophy and English U18s Boys Open Amateur Strokeplay this year, finished ahead of fellow Englishman Max Hopkins and Northern Ireland's Aaron Marshall who tied for second 15 shots back. 

Schmidt shot 68, 69, 69 for a final score of 10-under-par, a performance made even more impressive as he went through the final 36 holes with only one bogey, despite the windy conditions. 

Ben Schmidt shakes hands with Justin Rose.

"I did feel very much in control and I can't tell you what this means to me," said Ben. "To win this title at any stage would've been a huge honour but to do so in the year when Justin Rose has first put his name to it and sponsored the championship with his own money makes it extra special.

"It's been a fantastic year for me, with the Brabazon Trophy and Carris Trophy already on the mantlepiece and now this as well. It gives me so much confidence going forward."