THERE was home success when Stafford Castle Golf Club played hosts to the British Junior Golf Tour, during school half-term.
The 15-year-old, playing off eight, was taking part in his first British Junior Challenge, and local knowledge certainly helped as he produced a composed performance to win the top prize, on countback from Fulford GC’s Charlie Thorton, playing off six.
The trophy for the best nett went to 13-year-old Matthew Metcalf who mastered the course to shoot four under his handicap, four shots clear of runner-up, James Andrews.
Channon James (Kenilworth GC) is only seven, but he went home with the Academy Trophy, for those with handicaps of 28 plus.
He played the front nine, yet off adult tees, scoring a gross 52.
Promising young golfers from five counties, including Staffordshire, came together in a special competition to cap a season’s hard work.
All the players are members of the County Academy Programme (CAP) in their home counties and among the category winners were The Chase Academy duo of Holly Hunt (girls 13-14 years) and Morgan Thomas (girls 11-12).
The boys’ 12-year winner was Alex Chapman (Trentham), with the boys’ 11-year prize going to Harrison Worley (3 Hammers).
All four have been selected for the Staffs squad in their respective age groups, along with Charlie Wallbridge (Trentham) boys 14 years.
Joing them are, Seth Staton (3 Hammers) boys 10, Archie Munn (The Chase) boys nine Amelia Taylor (Trentham) girls nine and 10 years.
The 18-hole medal competition involving 54 players was held at Robin Hood GC (Warwickshire) and Staffs finished third in the boys competition and fifth in the girls.
CAP was established as part of a campaign to introduce more people to golf as well as creating a pathway for young players to help them fulfil their potential.
