Wales Golf has paid tribute to a junior golf organiser who helped three Welsh players on their way to the European Tour, among many other internationals, who passed away recently.
Brynhill’s golf club’s John Collins was also central to Glamorgan County golf and was awarded the Sir Henry Cotton Award for meritorious service in 2005 at the Golf Roots President’s Awards.
Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said, “John made a massive contribution to the game of golf in Wales.
“Some of the players from Brynhill John mentored include multiple European Tour winner Stephen Dodd, Calvin O’Carroll, British Boys champion and a Wales international who was part of the European Men’s Team championship winning team in 1993, Iestyn Taylor, Welsh Amateur Champion in 1996, and European Tour player Kyron Sullivan.
“There were also a number of other Wales Boys internationals in the 1990’s. It is fair to say John made a unique contribution to golf in Wales.
Collins took over the Junior Section at Brynhill in 1975, bringing through golfers who would achieve regional, national and international success.
His citation for the Sir Henry Cotton Award said, “John’s commitment to junior golf spans a third of a century.
“He introduced hundreds of children to golf as Junior Organiser at Brynhill Golf Club, some of whom have gone on to become amateur champions, internationals and Tour players.”
Brynhill press officer Alan Sweeney said, “John was instrumental in bringing through dozens of golfers, organising everything from coaching to transport together with the help of Carole Allen.
“Three of John’s protégés, Stephen Dodd, Kyron Sullivan and Rhys Davies went onto play on the European Tour, with Dodd partnering Bradley Dredge to win the Golf World Cup for Wales.
“The amount of success John helped this club achieve is bordering on the ridiculous.
“With a conveyor belt of junior talent spanning decades the Barry club saw its members win numerous Glamorgan Junior Team and individual championships, Welsh Boys Championships, British Junior and Senior Amateur Championships and Welsh Girls Championships.
“The list is endless and the common denominator in all these victories was John. Notably, Stephen Dodd won British Amateur Championships, Calvin O’Carroll British Boys Championships and Iestyn Taylor Welsh Amateur Championships, all won in close proximity to each other.
“The inevitable happened and John was asked to assist first with the County and ultimately with the Welsh junior set up, Brynhill of course remained his first love. So thank you John and Rest in Peace knowing your legacy lives on.”
Any juniors interested in taking up golf at Brynhill please contact either Nicky in the office or Matt in the pro shop on 01446 720277. Junior membership subscription is free at Brynhill.
Photograph – John’s wake at Brynhill Golf Club – A small number of talented golfers that benefitted from John Collins’ enthusiasm and dedication for junior golf and helping others.
(from left to right) James Grundy, Andrew Dodd, Paul Murphy, Calvin O’Carroll, Iestyn Taylor, Scott Warne, Jamie Griffiths (Brynhill’s Vice Captain) Dave Collins (John’s son) & Kyron Sullivan.