Annabel Peaford makes history at Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championships

Year 10 student, Annabel Peaford has been crowned the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championships winner – the youngest female to win the golf title. 

Annabel took the title with a 5 shot lead after 3 rounds of great golf at Quinta do Lago in Portugal last week.

Annabel was one of two 14-year-olds competing this year and this win tops off a “breakthrough year” which saw secure three top finishes in the North of England U16 and English U14 events. She has also recently been selected as the youngest member of the England Girls National squad and played her first matches for the England U16s against Switzerland and Ireland.

The Telegraph said: “The 14-year-old fended off several England internationals for a convincing victory that bodes well for her future. The Walton Heath prodigy led from the start of the 54-hole tournament… all the way down to the line…”

This is the biggest win of Annabel’s career so far, and she was very pleased to win against a strong field which included several girls from the England Golf women’s and girls’ squads who have all played for England internationally, commented Annabel’s mother, Alyson.

She added: “Annabel was delighted to win the tournament and had a great week in Portugal. Annabel has been automatically invited back to defend her title next year and is hoping her twin sister Emily can qualify as well. Annabel’s handicap is +4 and Emily’s is +3. They are very competitive with each other.

“Annabel is coached by her dad, Simon Peaford and we are both hugely proud of the progress she has made.” 

Miss McLaughlin, Interim Director of Sport, said: “Freemen's are extremely proud of the Peaford sisters and Annabel's outstanding achievement as the 'junior major' at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf championships in Portugal. Her achievements are testament to her hard work and dedication to golf, which follow a run of recent golfing successes including victory at the ISGA Alexander Quin invitational. 

“Freemen's Sports department is pleased to promote participation in sport as well as supporting pupils in their pursuit for sporting excellence.”

Annabel will continue her training and has set her sights on securing a golf scholarship to a US university and to play competitive golf at the highest level.