Theo Baker of Celtic Manor wins the 2026 Duncan Putter

12 APRIL 2026 19:20

Congratulations Theo Baker of Celtic manor Golf Club on his victory in this years Duncan Putter. Theo pipped William Pontin (Pyle & Kenfig GC) by a single shot with Harry Watkins (Royal Porthcawl & Southerndown GC) a further two shots back in third place. The player endured some very trying conditions on all three days. Highlight on day one was William Pontin’s round of 66 in the strongest winds during the day. Day 2 saw no scores on par or better with three players returning the best score of the day of 74 in extremely strong southerly winds. The final day’s play of 36 holes saw a damp cold and very windy start to the day, with a strong wind turning back to its usual SW direction. Harry Watkins returning around of 71 was impressive and put him back in the mix for the title. The afternoon winds lightened slightly with the sun coming out to warm the players, and scores of 68 and 69 were recorded. However, lying two shots back of William Pontin going into the last days play, Theo Baker returned very steady rounds of 74 & 75 to clinch a title he’s been chasing for a few years. Giving high praise to the organisation of the event and especially the condition of the course Theo commented,

 “It just doesn’t look as though Southerndown have had a winter out there, the condition of this course for us this week was exceptional and high praise must go to the Course Manager and his team.” 

Our Thanks  

• To our Club Captain for giving all players a warm welcome on behalf of the club on the 1st tee  
• To David Shuttleworth and his team of referees for their tremendous support and professionalism throughout the event.
• To our Starters Steve Roberts, Byron Evans and Tony Newton who made sure all players had their cards and information ready for play.
• To all the members that helped with the starting and marshalling making the event a very successful occasion once again this year.
• To Simon and Morgan for recording all the scores and keeping everyone updated on our social media platforms.
• To Andrew Mannion Course Manager and his team for preparing the course for the players in such good condition for the time of year.
• To Sian & Leanne and all the staff for their first-class service.  
• To Mark and Steve for all his efforts in keeping the practice ground available with balls for the players, with help from Andrew and Gareth.

 

Kind regards 

John Peters

Director of Golf

On behalf of the Executive Committee    

 

THE DUNCAN  PUTTER  10^th 11^th 12^th April 2026

 

Prize List                     

            Round 1: William Pontin                 66           Pyle & Kenfig

            Round 2: Morgan Radziejowski     74 bb9   Hereford

            Round 3: Harry Watkins                 71            Royal Porthcawl/Southerndown    

            Round 4: Louis Archer                    68            St Enodoc          

           

Best Individual Scores:

           

6^th -                 Louis Archer             77        78        79        68            302       St Enodoc

Tied 4^th -        Ambrose Eaves        75        82        75        69            301       Broadway

                        Ryan Williams           73        81        74        73            301       Bargoed         

   

Welsh U-21:   William Pontin           66        79        75        78            298      Pyle & Kenfig

          

3^rd -                 Harry Watkins           72        83        71        74            300      Royal Porthcawl/SGC

2^nd -                 William Pontin          66        79        75        78            298      Pyle & Kenfig

 

2026 Duncan Putter Winner

1^st -                   Theo Baker               71        77        74        75           297      Celtic Manor

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