CHAMPION

KEEPING IT IN THE FAIRWAY - BOUGHEN JUNIOR BAGS THE TITLE!

Round 1: A Game of Inches (and Banter)

The 2025 edition of The Golf Comp kicked off under typically British conditions — gusty winds, the kind that move your golf ball and your soul — at the stunning East Sussex National.

Despite the swirling breezes and an unhealthy amount of swing thoughts, Round 1 produced the tightest leaderboard in the tournament’s long and occasionally sober history. Only 10 points separated the entire 20-man field. At the top of the leaderboard, Jack Berman, Scott Huggett, and Tom Scragg shared pole position, all tied and all quietly wondering whether their Saturday night pints would help or hinder their Sunday game (answer: both).

It was a tense and tactical round, with players showing full commitment on the course… and in some of the fashion choices. Rumours are rife that next year will see the introduction of the ‘Best outfit’ award.

Round 2: Carnage, Comebacks & the Clutch Gene

Sunday brought weaker winds, slightly stronger hangovers, and significantly stronger performances from those who had clearly saved their best golf for the finale.

As the round unfolded, Trevor Ranns, Jack Berman, and Neil Boughen turned the second 18 holes into a heart-stopping back-nine thriller. The lead changed hands more times than a dodgy putter in the car park.

Trevor surged early, playing like a man who’d actually been practicing. Jack remained steady, showing the composure of a man who’s definitely played in a major golf comp or two, (or just watched a lot of Full Swing on Netflix). But it was Neil Boughen who emerged late — like a sand wedge in a storm — seizing the lead as the tension hit boiling point.

Heading up the 18th, Neil had posted a number, leaving Jack Berman needing a par to force a tie. With the crowd (i.e. the 19 other lads and a few curious onlookers) watching, Jack’s par putt rolled agonisingly close, brushing the edge of the cup but refusing to drop. Cue gasps, high-fives, and a mild swear or two.

And so, Neil Boughen etched his name into The Golf Comp history books — following in the footsteps of his father, Tye Boughen, who lifted the trophy in 2023. It was a proud moment for the Boughen family, and the first recorded father-son dynasty in The Golf Comp lore.

Off the Course: Commitment Comes in Many Forms

Let it not be said the group didn’t give their all off the course too. Commitment was shown in the hotel bar (where tales of 300-yard drives grew by the hour), and in the many dedicated hours spent reviewing missed putts and blown leads over pints and paracetamol.

Special mention to:

• Trevor Ranns who obviously forgot what room he was staying in on the 2nd night so thought he would just spend it in the bar.

• Scott Huggett for, let’s say, the entertainment he provided on the same night.

• The bravery of group 1 in the Texas Scramble, who were almost wiped out by both of Jack Berman and Harvey Borges booming drives on the par 5 10th ,  despite them ringing the ‘all clear’ bell!

• Team Berman for producing the first Eagle in The Golf Comp's history. A thunderous 300 yard drive on the par 5 7th hole by Jack splitting the fairway was followed by a precision 160 yard iron by Harvey into the heart of the green. This left a 20 foot putt that was drained by Rob resulting in huge celebrations lead by Tom, a real team effort! 

Final Words

The 2025 Golf Comp will go down as one of the closest and most entertaining in history. From gale-force winds to pressure-cooker finishes, and from heroic shots to heroic social efforts, it had everything.

The ending however was tinged with sadness, as we bid farewell to last year’s runner up Tom Lacey, who is seeking a new life in Australia. Tom you have left a real impression on The Golf Comp, and you will be sorely missed. We all wish you all the best down under!

Congratulations to Neil Boughen, our champion — a man who proved ice runs in the family veins. Very new to the game his hard work has paid off. He is a true inspiration to everyone and a worthy champion. Enjoy your year and we look forward to all the photos. Can you beat the jumbo screen at the Yankee Stadium?  

Thank you to all of this year’s competitors, what a fantastic weekend you provided. See you all in 2026 which promises to be even more exciting!

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