Junior Conference

Several Clubs attended this County Conference, organised 24th March for Club Junior Organisers and those responsible for Junior affairs in clubs.

The County has much to be proud of with 66% of our clubs now GolfMark accredited (national average 20%). The 2010 Club Survey shows that volunteers in the County have much to be proud of when their efforts and achievments are compared. The sport owes these people a big thank you for their contribution.

5400 children in the County experienced golf in 2010, either through activity in schools or by outreach work done by golf clubs in the communities close to them.

1200 Juniors are members in golf clubs and we hope that club initiatives will lead them to enjoy the sport and stay in it as a great leisure and sport activity for life.

Filmed interviews with four good players still under 18, gave an interesting junior perspective on the way they had started golf and the support they received from the club and county as their enthusiasm for the game increased. They listed friendship and enjoyment as key to their satisfaction with club membership. Clubs are increasingly friendlier in their treatment of juniors and this must continue.

The County Junior Order of Merit had a good debut year in 2010 and Peter Robinson described how it will develop in 2011 with age group champions to reward success in younger age groups.

Graham Farr summarised the Elite programme which is where all the efforts in clubs and academies can lead for players developing a real aptitude.

A good story, interesting progress achieved, big ambitions for the future, - pity more clubs could not attend to hear the applause for them and their excellent efforts, being made in these difficult times.