England men's golf team were the clear winners of the European Challenge Trophy in Iceland, 12-14th July. The six man team (with the best five scores each day to count) were 11 shots clear of the Netherlands and this means they regain their place for the European Team Championships in Denmark next year. Full coverage and results are available at http://emcht.golficeland.org/

Garrick Porteous (Bamburgh Castle) made a significant contribution to this victory. He finished tied third with scores of 68-72-70(-3) and was a counter for the team in every round. His colleague Ben Stow won the event on nine under par. Garrick's game was in great shape as he signed for 16 birdies during the week and he commented that 'it was a fantastic experience to play in Iceland and be part of a winning England team'.

Prior to the Icelandic trip, Garrick had been to Portmarnock, Ireland as part of the Great Britain and Ireland squad for the St Andrews Trophy later this year. It proved to be a successful three days familiarising himself with the course and getting to know other squad members. Selection for the team will be determined by the R&A selectors in mid-August.

Garrick now has a short rest before competing as an amateur in his first professional event. England Golf has nominated six players to participate in the English Challenge at Stoke-by-Nayland golf club on 26-29th July. This is a European Challenge Tour event and will be an invaluable experience for Garrick to gauge his game against the professional ranks.

The summer of golf continues at pace and Garrick recorded another top ten finish at the English Men's Open Strokeplay Championship for the Brabazon Trophy. Played over the Old Course at Walton Heath, Garrick entered the final round lying 3rd, but eventually had to settle for 7th overall with scores of 73-75-71-76 following a difficult scoring week in very windy conditions. On completion of the final round he commented that "I played solid all week, hit the ball well and gave myself a lot of chances but the birdies just didn't come".

His journey now continues to Hillside near Southport for final qualifying for the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. It's hoped the birdies will come as qualification is tough with only three golfers progressing from the 72 starters in the field.

Finally, on a really positive note Garrick has been recognised for his good play this year with selection for a six man team who will represent England in the European Men's Challenge Trophy in Iceland 12-14th July. The top three teams in Iceland will go on to compete in the European Men's Team Championship in 2013.

Garrrick warmed up for his summer of golf back in the UK by breaking the existing course record at his home club, Bamburgh Castle, on Saturday 2nd June. Making his first visit in over a year he shot 62 and eclipsed the previous record (63) shot by Phil Ridden in 2008.

Garrick played some effortless golf with even nines of 31. He had four birdies, an eagle and 13 pars. However, it did need a birdie down the final hole to secure the record. Despite shooting the record he failed to lift the Runciman Cup because he had to add three shots to his score and finished with a net 65.

This coming week he now moves onto his first major tournament of the summer, the St Andrews Links Trophy on the Old and New courses. To follow his progress he now has his own website at www.garrickporteous.com.

Garrick Porteous signed off his Tennessee career by competing in the NCAA Division 1 Regional tournament at Stanford golf club, near San Francisco, 17-19th May. On finishing his four years of collegiate golf, Garrick commented: "It's been an epic four years playing golf for the University of Tennessee. It's been a great opportunity and the best thing that's ever happened to me. I have met so many great people. It went past a lot faster than I thought it would, but I'm looking forward to what will come in the future! At least I can always say I'm a Tennessee Volunteer!" He will return to the University for one final semester in August to complete his degree in Studio Art while completing an internship in the University's Athletics marketing department.

His final three tournaments included a 3rd place finish at the Yale University Spring Open where he shot 71-71 (+2). He then had a 7th place finish at the SEC Championships on the demanding Sea Island course in Georgia, where he shot 68-71-69 (-1). Finally, at Stanford he shot 70-66-72 (-2) and finished 18th, but the team fell two shots short of a fourth straight trip to the NCAA finals. The final event was special for another reason, as his sister Angharad, who is studying for her PhD at Stanford was able to watch and support him (pictured together).

Garrick returns to England at the beginning of June for a busy summer of golf. His tournaments include the St Andrews Links Trophy (8-10th June), the British Amateur at Royal Troon (18-23rd June), Open qualifying at Goswick (25th June), the Brabazon Trophy at Walton Heath (28th June-1st July), the English Amateur at Silloth (30th July - 4th August) and the European Amateur in Ireland (8-11th August). He is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Garrick Porteous has been selected in a preliminary 12-player Great Britain and Ireland squad for this year's St. Andrews Trophy Match against the Continent of Europe. The St. Andrews Trophy takes place in even-numbered years with Great Britain & Ireland playing the United States in the Walker Cup competition during odd-numbered years.The match will be held at Portmarnock Golf Club, Ireland between 31st August and 1st September 2012. The squad will meet for the first time at Portmarnock from 4-6th July in a match play team environment consisting of two series of foursomes and singles matches. Only 9 players will make the final team when it is announced later this summer.

In addition, Garrick is in the England Elite Men's Squad for 2012 and is currently ranked 59th in the men's World Amateur Golf Rankings.He is not only England men's number one but also the UK's top player.He recently represented England in the Jones Cup at Sea Island, Georgia. Garrick made his debut for England in the 2011 Home Internationals in Ireland last summer after a string of consistent performances. He was undefeated in all his matches in the Home Internationals.

Garrick is in his final year at the University of Tennessee, where he is captain of the team. He finished alone in second in his first Tennessee start of the spring season at the San Diego Intercollegiate. He shot 73-73-69=215 to finish at 1 under par, one stroke behind San Diego's Alex Ching. It was his best collegiate finish and his fourth top-four result in the last year.

His good form is continuing with two more top ten finishes. He shot 73-69-66=208 to finish 9 under par and place sixth at the Augusta State Invitational. He followed this up a week later at the Yale Spring Opener where he shot 71-71=142 to finish 2 over par and place third.

Garrick and his Tennessee team now move onto the South East Conference (SEC) Championship at Sea Island Georgia. He is really looking forward to this prestigious event.