THE INAUGURAL Worcestershire Union of Golf Clubs junior celebration event was hailed a huge success by chairman and past president Bill Thompson.
Saturday’s gathering at Kings Norton Golf Club attracted around 90 golfers and parents as talented youngsters saw their commitment recognised.
Plans are now in place to make the celebration an annual event and Thompson would be delighted to see this come to fruition.
“It was a fantastic occasion to see determined, committed and talented golfers rewarded for their efforts,” said the chairman.
“It’s really important we do this and I know how much it was appreciated by both parents and clubs.
“Overall, it’s been a highly successful year for the Worcestershire junior teams and players. The union would like to thank their team managers Tom Warbrick (U14s, PGA Professional at Bromsgrove GC) and Ian Henry (U16s and U18s, PGA Professional at Worcester G&CC).
“They have been ably supported by team assistant manager Roger Martin (Kings Norton GC).”
Among those recognised for their efforts were the 2017 Worcestershire U18 team who were crowned West Midlands League champions for the first time having gone through their league campaign unbeaten.
The squad’s captain is Joe Price of Hagley GC, who was the U18 individual points winner and received the Cunningham Trophy.
Price also finished third in September’s prestigious national Champion of Champions competition played at Woodhall Spa GC Lincolnshire and was voted by his peers as their player of the year.
His success did not end there as he also scooped the U18 stroke play title, receiving the Mansell Cup.
The U16 team were noted for their efforts in finishing second in their league and the encouraging progress of the U14 squad was also celebrated.
Jack Belli of Stourbridge GC was Order of Merit winner and Luke Rolinson of Droitwich GC was U16 individual points winner to earn the Bill Thompson Trophy.
Brandon Sarfo of Gaudet Luce GC, Droitwich, was U16 stroke play champion and received the Brian Peplow Trophy, collected by his younger brother Hayden. Gifted golfer Brandon has been selected for England Regional Squad coaching.
James Yorke of Kings Norton GC won the U16 team manager’s player of the year award and his club-mate Connor Thomas won the equivalent U18 title.
Jake Kelly of Ombersley GC received the U18 match play champion crown, the John Fraser Cup, whilst James Ilsley of Dudley GC collected the U14 stroke play champion honour, the Jim Gray Trophy.
