Taylor Hedgecock – British Open Winner (Colts) 2011

One of the brightest stories from last weekend’s British Open at Hodnet, was seeing great performances from Juniors  (16 -20 years) and Colts (under 16s). One of the best was Taylor Hedgecock, who won the Colts division. I’ve heard from  a number of shooters who would have been proud to even get close to Taylors incredible score of 92.

I managed to get some time with Taylor to talk to him about his win, and find out a little more about a rising star in Clay Shooting.

I’m convinced the future of clay shooting is safe with Colts like Taylor rising through the ranks.

Shootclay : Firstly Taylor, congratulations on your win – can you tell us how it feels to be British Open champion in your division?  What do you remember from the round, how was the Hodnet layout?

Taylor Hedgecock : Thank you, I am very pleased to have won this especially as the competition in colts is at a very high standard right now. The round at Hodnet was very challenging with some targets made harder because I am not as tall as some. I missed some targets that I shouldn’t have done but I was really pleased with my score. It is a lovely ground and the shoot was well organised, it was a real pleasure to shoot there.

SC : Lets go back to the beginning – when did you start shooting? Who introduced you to shooting?

TH : I was introduced to shooting by my Grandad, Gordon Webster, 2 weeks before my 9th Birthday in 2007, he has been a very big part in getting me up to the standard I am currently at today and I cant thank him enough for the constant help and support that he gives me.

SC : Where do you live, and where do you shoot?

TH : I live in Soham, Cambridgeshire and I shoot at many grounds, which include Grange Farm, Kibworth, Cambridge Gun Club, Barrow Heath. I also shoot at High Harthy Shooting Ground at Brampton who sponsor me for all my practice.  They are all nice grounds with really nice people who have always been very good to me.

SC : Who do you usually shoot with?

TH : I usually shoot with my Grandad, my Dad and Brian Dunbavin. Philip Thorrold is currently coaching me at his shooting academy in Diss Norfolk.  He very kindly sponsors me for my training so along with all that my grandad has taught me and with the training Philip has to offer hopefully I can just keep improving my techniques.

SC : What’s your equipment set-up?

TH : I shoot a Beretta 686 Black onyx and use Eley Cartridges, mostly Superb 7.5 28g, I used these on the round at the British Sporting, I am very fortunate that Eley Hawk have sponsored me, which I am very grateful for.

SC : Now that you have a British Open in the trophy cabinet, what is next? What ambitions do you have for the future?

TH : This has been a good year so far, I have had lots of wins but my biggest achievement is winning the British open sporting. I have also won Colts at the UK Grand Masters and have many county titles in juniors and colts. My Aim for next year is to do my best at the major shoots and bring home a few more titles and maybe shoot a few selection shoots, I would love to shoot for England in the future and once I have gained more experience I am sure I can make this happen.

SC : Taylor, thanks for your time – and we wish you much success in the future.