Surrey golfer named in England squad for under-16 match with Spain

The annual under-16 challenge match returns as England look to retain the trophy following their 16-8 win last May on home soil.

The two-day competition sees four foursomes matches (two boys pairs, two girls) in the mornings before eight singles matches on the afternoon of each day.Twenty-four points will be up for grabs as the away side look to get their 2024 campaign off to a fine start.

Annabel Peaford, who plays at Walton Heath GC, has been called up to represent her country.

Peaford won the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in November and represented England in under-16 matches against Switzerland and Ireland in 2023.

She has also finished second at the North of England U16 Girls’ Championship, third at the English U14 Girls’ Championship, and recorded top 20 finishes at the English Girls’ Open Stroke Play Championship and English U18 Mixed Championship.

Deputy performance director Stephen Burnett said: “The annual U16 match versus Spain is a fantastic early season opportunity for younger players to test their games.

“Spain are always strong and worthy opponents at this level, especially on home soil, so it’s a task the players should relish.

“We have a very promising team made up of eight players from a burgeoning talent pool at U16 level and it’s always heartening to see new names coming through.

“With a number of debuts in the offing in Valencia, this match will offer these players competitive developmental experiences they will cherish long into the future of their careers, regardless of the result.”

The England squad is as follows:

England Girls:

Lauren Crump – Hill Valley GC, Shropshire

Ellie Lichtenhein – Buckinghamshire GC, Buckinghamshire

Charlotte Naughton – Longhirst Hall GC, Northumberland

Annabel Peaford – Walton Heath GC, Surrey

England Boys:

Alex Boyes – Teesside GC, Yorkshire

Josh Gardner – Coventry GC, Warwickshire

Frankie Morton – Orsett GC, Essex

Charlie Rusbridge – Colne Valley GC, Essex