NORTH Hants’ latest junior international is hoping to make his mark in his first appearance in the Hampshire Hog on Sunday.
Albie Beeston is two years old than Rose, who shocked the England selectors by beating the cream of the crop at North Hants 31 years ago, when he was just 14.
Beeston has been tearing up trees as a member of the Hampshire Golf junior programme since he was 10, claiming the Hampshire U13, U16 and U18 titles between 2021 and 2024.
And his stunning victory in last year’s North of England U16 Boys Championship prompted his call-up to play for England U16s against Ireland in the autumn internationals.
Beeston, who joined North Hants in 2018, admitted this week how much he is looking forward to making his Hog debut.
The strapping six-footer who won the Hampshire U16 titles back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, said: “I did not qualify for the Hog two years ago and last year was the first time I was eligible to play in the Selborne Salver at Blackmoor.
“Justin Rose has always been someone who I’ve looked up too especially being from the same club, which I joined in 2018. It’s amazing that I have won the county junior championship in 2024 – he won it 30 years ago this summer.
“I think he sets a great example for a golfer’s longevity and how you should conduct yourself. I would hope to put myself in contention at the Hog but as long as I stick to my process and stay focused then I’m not too worried about the outcome.
“Over the next few years I would like to make sure that I just continue to do my best and hopefully attain some strong finishes in big events as well as hopefully represent England for a second time.”
Beeston, who still has two years left as a junior, is also keen to see how the course sets up after all the work done to improve the quality of North Hants, as the Hog moves into its 70th year.
“I think the bunker changes at NH have been very successful the condition of the bunkers recently has been immaculate and the changed positions have definitely altered the way the course plays.
“I think the standout change is on 17. There is now a lot more room for driver but missing that green can lead to some very tricky pitch shots.”
North Hants probably have their strongest contingent in the competition in its modern history, with three members of the Hampshire first-team squad all lining up in 2026.
Fresh from winning the Hampshire Order of Merit back-to-back, Rob Wheeler has opted to have one last crack in the amateur ranks, after a steady improvement since making the last 16 at the county championship for the first time when North Hants staged the competition in 2021.
Wheeler, who missed the cut in last week’s Berkhamsted Trophy, the opening event in the English amateur calendar, has spent the winter working hard on his game.
“I really want to win an event at the next stage – one with World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points – which will help me prepare for the time when I might turn pro.
“I will give it more one year and hopefully some WAGR points will boost my chances of getting in the bigger national championships and events, and I will play some Clutch Pro events as an amateur as well.
“I have been trying to get fitter and stronger over the winter months working on my swing with my coach, while also caddying at Walton Heath and Queenwood.”
Last year, Golf Monthly journalist Sam De’ath, who spent four years at college in Florida before a short spell playing as a pro, was third in the Blackmoor Salver and tied third in the Hampshire Salver, which Rose won in 1997 for the best 72-hole aggregate in the Hog and Selborne Salver.
De’ath will also be looking to improve on his ninth place finish in the Selborne Salver 12th months ago 24 hours before tackling his home course.
The other entrant is James Atkins, who will be looking to build on his best-ever finish in the event, having forced his way into the Hampshire first-team squad over the last four years, despite holding down a top job at Wentworth golf club.
Only four Hampshire players other than Rose have won the Hog – Royal Guernsey’s Walker Cup ace Bobby Eggo won the 30th 40 years ago – the last was in 1996 when Russell Tait, from Lee-on-the-Solent GC, took the trophy 12 months after Rose’s epic win.
Surely time another for the county – if not North Hants – to have another name on the trophy?
Play gets under way at Minley Road at 8am. Entry and car parking is free. Spectators welcome.