Stateside success as Naughton Bowls her rivals over

NORTHUMBERLAND’S Charlotte Naughton opened 2026 in style with a record-breaking victory at the Junior Orange Bowl at Biltmore Golf Course in Florida.

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The Longhirst Hall golfer shot a mesmerising 10 under par across the four days to win by seven shots, adding to her World Junior Girls Championship (Canada) and German Girls’ Amateur Championship victories in 2025.

Her final round of 69 was enough to see her become the first girl to finish at 10 under across four rounds at the event.

“I’m very pleased with myself” said Charlotte, 17, who had to execute a dicey chip-and-putt from the base of a greenside mound for birdie at the par-five 18th.

“I didn’t know it was for a tournament record when I had that putt, but it was a nice way to finish.”