CARUS Green Golf Club have kick started the new year with a growing focus on benefits for their junior members.

Junior membership will now be free for youngsters with at least one parent already a member at the thriving club; and a new junior chairman and team of organisers are in place to continue and progress the junior development programme. Evening tuition will also be offered from the Spring.

The 40-strong junior section has flourished, particularly over the past year, with junior competitions for intermediate players introduced last May and weekly competitions held for a record 318 consecutive Saturdays since they were started by PGA Professional, Andrew Pickering, in 2009.

With a number of excellent players already making up the section, such as 14-year-old Harriet Barker who has a handicap of just five, 16-year-old Byron Evans who plays off three and 16-year-old Josh Casson, who plays off six, the younger members are being encouraged to apply themselves in order to improve, as PGA Professional, Dave Turner explains.

“The children have been inspired by watching the older junior members, such as Harriet Barker, who practices at the driving range most evenings," he said. "We are looking forward to watching them all develop their skills and enjoyment of the game over 2017. Carus Green was particularly proactive last year in developing the ‘junior drive’ with a number of new initiatives put into place to encourage local youngsters to try the sport. We will be building on this success this year and are keen to encourage children of any age and background to enjoy the game.”

For further information on joining Carus Green’s junior section, please call 015397 21097.