Youth golf continues to grow and has positive future

A simple and effective pathway at an early age is the key to developing good golfers, according to Guernsey Golf School director, Phil Sykes.

Speaking after the annual awards party for the school’s ABN AMRO junior modular programme, Mr Sykes said that 2016 had been another successful year for growing young local talent.

‘As a whole we feel that the sport is in a positive place going forward and are confident that with the work been done at the school, golf on the island will be in a great place in the coming years ahead,’ said Mr Sykes.

‘ABN AMRO has supported the junior initiatives at the school now for the last four years and we are deeply indebted to their support in making all our ideas and efforts come to fruition.’

Throughout the season a modular programme is in place delivering coaching and on-course competition play to young islanders from age six and above. Over the course of the season the children are given differing achievement levels to work towards, along with fun tournaments at regular intervals.

‘The key to sustaining the programme and offering as much awareness to our young population is to provide a simple and effective pathway at an early age,’ said Mr Sykes, a PGA professional.   

‘As well as the modular programme, we have seven short golf camps held in school holidays, aimed at children aged four to six. These camps offer children the initial experiences of what golf can offer and the fun they can have with it prior to making any long-term commitment to the game. However, we do see many of our short golf camp participants morphing into the modular programmes as they develop their enjoyment of the sport.’

This year’s level two winner was Jake Rowe; in second place was Bayley Crosland, while James Becker came third. Winning level three red tees was Chloe Gaudion, with Henri Whitehorne in second place and Ethan Kanyike third. On the level three yellow tees Alex Pauckner was the overall winner, with Ollie Chedhomme second and Alex Gough in third.

Most improved player of the year was Joe Robertshaw, while player of the year was Emma Bertrand.

Andrew Chamberlain from sponsors ABN AMRO handed out numerous prizes and awards to an excited audience and congratulated the players on their achievements over the year.

‘It’s so great to see so many youngsters getting involved in golf. This is the fourth year that ABN AMRO has sponsored the programme and we have seen so many youngsters not only grow into accomplished golfers but develop some important life skills at the same time,' said Mr Chamberlain.