Fifty six players aged between 6 and 14 of age recently took part in the new Welsh Junior Tour Circuit at at Lakeside near Newtown.
Mold golfer George Ledsham made it two from two in the Under 8's category on the circuit, as Lakeside proved to be the ideal setting for the third event of 2016.
The nine hole course in Powys was in superb condition with the fast and undulating greens in particular providing a real challenge for the players.
Golf Union of Wales Championship Manager David Wilson said, “We are very grateful to Lakeside for hosting this event. The club could not have been more helpful and the course was enjoyed by all of the competitors providing an ideal test without being too daunting for these young players.’
He was closely followed by Harry Edwards from Builth Wells whose second place followed his victory in the second Junior Tour event at Carmarthen. Third place went to Junior Tour newcomer Thomas Loynes from Glynneath.
Dion Regan from Cilgwyn registered his first Junior Tour win of the season in the U10s category having been placed second and fourth in the first two events.
Charlie Mckinney from Abergele continued his good form with another second place finish to remain top of the Order of Merit table. Charlie Boys from Clays in Wrexham, playing in his second Junior Tour event of the season, came third to take him up to fourth place in the Order of Merit.
Llandrindod Wells’ Zak Baker continued his dominance of the U12s category. With two wins and a second place under his belt already, Zak looks to be the player to beat in the end of season Tour Final. Harrison Guy made the long trip from Newport worthwhile with second place whilst Jack Mckinney, brother to Charlie, continued his consistent good form with a third place finish.
In the U14 boys category Aled Lewis from Llanidloes made it a successful debut on the Tour with 39 stableford points being sufficient to secure victory. Aled was closely pursued by Rhos-On-Sea’s Charlie Simpson in second place whilst a third place position for Osian Jones from Caernarfon was enough to take him to the top of the Order of Merit table.
In the U14 Girls, playing in her second Junior Tour event of the year Abergele’s Olivia Hennessy followed her second place finish at Mold with a win at Lakeside. Dwynwen Holgate from Cilgwyn was second whilst Milford Haven’s Hollie Jenkins in third consolidated her position at the top of the U14 Girls Order of Merit table. For free to use pictures of the winners, please download from following link. https://we.tl/nbE91CjxZ8 )
The Welsh Junior Tour now moves on to Virginia Park for the last regional event of the year giving players their final chance to secure a place in the end of season Tour Final.
Chairman of the GUW Championships Committee Ashton Bradbury said, “We are delighted with the success of the Junior Tour so far.
The next event will be the final regional event at Virginia Park Golf Club in Caerphilly. The top 20 players in the Order of Merit in each age category will then be invited to play in the Tour Final to be held at St Pierre near Chepstow.
Lakeside Golf Club have been awarded a Sports Wales Community Chest grant of £1500 to set up a disability golf scheme for young children. Children were invited from local disability schools; Brynllawarch, Cedawain, Life house, & the N-Able scheme.
16 sessions were delivered this summer with over 110 disability children taking part, Nearly 40 took part in a disabled golf fun day. It is hoped that many of these pupils will join the golf club as they have found it a valuable experience.
Following on from another previous successful application by Lakeside Golf Club for Powys Montgomeryshire Federation of Women Institute, they have recently ran Ladies Only ‘New 2 Golf’ taster sessions with over 20 attending the 6 week block of lessons. It is hoped that these ladies will continue into a new sport.
The next closing date for the Sportlot Community Chest Panel is Monday 5th September, please visit www.sportwales.org.uk/funding and for any advice please call Angela Williams 01686 614060 / angela.williams@powys.gov.uk