Max Hopkins, who works as a part-time barman alongside his exploits on the course, has stunned the golfing world by shooting a record equalling low round at a prestigious course that has hosted the Open
A part-time barman has stunned the golf world by equalling the record for a round at one of the UK’s most famous courses. Max Hopkins, who works pulling pints at a pub in the Hertfordshire town of Bishop’s Stortford, shot an incredible nine under par 63 at the historic Royal Liverpool.
It equalled the same score shot by Masters and US Open winner Jon Rahm at the 2023 Open Championship. Hopkins was taking part in the English Men’s Amateur Championship when he shot his sensational round at the course where Tiger Woods won the Open in 2006 – it has hosted 13 Open tournaments. It was a far cry from pulling pints at The Star pub, in Bridge St, Stortford
That’s where Hopkins can be found working as his part-time job to fund his attempts to make it as a professional in the world of golf. Hopkins, 22, said: “It didn’t really sink in at the time. Towards the end of the round, as it was going so well, I did start to think what the course record was?
“It was one of those days where everything went well. It was certainly a very proud moment when I realised I’d equalled the score of someone like Jon Rahm.
“I only found out the significance of the score when I finished and I saw the chat in a golf WhatsApp group of my friends back in Bishop’s Stortford.” His girlfriend Sophie Kelsell, 22, was caddying for him over the week.
The couple travel to Holland for another tournament next week. He added: “I work in the pub to earn some money to make ends meet and to try and give me a chance of making it a pro.
“It’s difficult but it’s just the way it it. I’ve got no sponsorship at the moment. I can’t thank my girlfriend and all my family enough for all their support. His dad Peter said: “The dedication young golfers have to show these days to try and make it is incredible.
“From equalling the record of a course like Liverpool to back working behind the bar of the Star and he always gives his all. It’s tough for youngsters today and we’re all very proud of Max.”
Hopkins, a former pupil at Hockerill Anglo-European College, Bishop’s Stortford and Leventhorpe School, Sawbridgeworth, is a member of Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club. He started playing when he was just two-years-old and was a club member when he was six.
He reached the final of the tournament where he was eventually beaten by Romford’s Henry Styles in the 36-hole climax to the centenary championship.
