Seventy five young golfers between the ages of 6-14 took part in the finals of the 2016 Welsh Junior Tour, a suitable climax in a successful first year for the new event in the Welsh sporting calendar.
They qualified for the finals at Cottrell Park, the Welsh Golf Club of the Year for 2015, as a result of their performances at Junior Tour events over the course of the season.
The Junior Tour has been so successful this season that the Golf Union of Wales are already planning to extend the event next year.
Golf Union of Wales President Neil Niblett said, “The Junior Tour has been a tremendous new initiative this year with young players from right across Wales taking part.
“It is our hope that this event helps to build on the excellent work already being done in clubs and counties to help encourage and develop junior golf in Wales. Cottrell Park has been a great venue for the Finals and we are very grateful to the club for allowing us the use of the Mackintosh Course today.”
George Ledsham from Mold Golf Club made the long trip to South Wales worthwhile by winning the U8s age category by three points from Builth Wells’ Harry Edwards with Joseph Hancock, also from Mold, coming third.
In the U10s section William Pontin for Rhondda carried the day with a great score of 61 points, just edging out Junior Tour regular Brodi Lewis from Pyle & Kenfig who was second with 60 points. Michael Collis continued a great day for the Mold juniors with a third place finish.
Zak Baker from Llandrindod Wells, Abergele’s Jack McKinney and Bargoed’s Ryan Williams have been battling it out all season in the U12s age group. On this occasion Williams came in fourth having been pipped for third by Ralph O’Carroll from nearby St Athan Golf Club.
A fine score of 60 points was good enough for the runners up position for Jack McKinney, but the winner was Zak Baker with 61 points so adding the Tour Final title to his top place in the Order of Merit.
In the U14 Girls Megan Vineall from Newport continued her run of good form winning by 2 points from The Vale Resort’s Darcey Harry with Kasumi Tran from Tenby in third place.
The Boys U14 section was closely contested with Sean Hazelby from Carmarthen winning by a single point from Caerphilly’s Iwan Fullick who in turn edged ahead of third placed William Sandoz from Wrexham on a card countback over the last nine holes.
The GUW Championship Manager David Wilson said, “‘The Finals day has provided a fitting finale to this year’s Welsh Junior Tour.
“Our plans are well advanced for 2017 and following the success of the series of competitions this year we intend to run 5 qualifying events around Wales and a Tour Final next year.
“We look forward to welcoming back many of those who have played this year along with new players to the Tour in 2017.”