Knott End Golf Club’s (KEGC) junior section continues to flourish under the supervision of the junior organising committee of Diane Turner (Lead J/O); Mick Molloy (J/O); Jen Booth (Asst/JO); Ben Dingle (Junior Captain); Jack Clarkson (Junior Vice-captain); Paul Walker (Head Professional) and Chris Holt (Professional).

Our purpose is to increase opportunities for all juniors to participate in golf regardless of age, gender or background, in a welcoming environment that encourages friendship, personal development and enjoyment.

KEGC has an active junior membership and competitions are held for players of all abilities. All junior boy members with a recognised CONGU handicap of 28 or less and junior girl members with a handicap of 36 or less are eligible to enter the majority of KEGC’s competitions. Juniors, who have not yet achieved a handicap and require further tuition to prepare them for the golf course, receive supervised golf tuition on the practice ground.

KEGC utilises the Golf Foundation’s Junior Golf Passport Programme (Golf Passport picture here). This programme is a comprehensive, progressive and structured programme designed to help youngsters learn about playing the game of golf. This programme covers the five core elements of the game: putting; short game; long game; playing and the golfer’s code.

Details of Junior Membership available

KEGC applies to EGU/EWGA and Golf Roots for grant aid which provides funding for our professionals to coach and develop our junior members and beginners thus supporting the England Golf Partnership’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’. Through Schools Partnership Development links and their funding opportunities, our Professionals assisted by members of the junior organising committee, are also delivering the Tri-Golf programme within our cluster primary schools and the Golf Extreme programme at St. Aidans Secondary School.

These programmes enable KEGC to engage with youngsters in the community and for those individuals who wish to progress further with the sport, an opportunity to become a KEGC junior member.

Knott End Golf Club (KEGC) holds the GolfMark accreditation (picture) awarded by golf’s governing bodies in recognition of KEGC meeting high standards in coaching, playing, the club environment and its dedication and duty of care to beginners and junior golfers. KEGC has adopted the Children in Golf Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and all individuals regularly involved with juniors undergo enhanced criminal records bureau (CRB) checks. GolfMark accreditation symbolises KEGC as a national quality sports club recognised by ‘Sport England’.

What are the benefits for junior golfers?

- A structured environment in which to develop as a player and a person;
- A fun, enjoyable, welcoming environment;
- Access to appropriate levels of coaching & competition;
- To be part of a game that will teach them respect, social & life skills, discipline, honesty, integrity; motivation and much more;
- Creating a structured pathway into adult membership.

What are the benefits for Parents/Guardians?

- Identification of a junior friendly golf club assisting parents especially those who do not play golf;
- Reassurance that the needs of children have been thoroughly considered and addressed;
- A safe and organised environment for their children.

- Luke Walker, 19 years, a KEGC junior member from 1999-2009, KEGC Junior Captain 2008 & 2009 has a playing handicap of scratch and is training to be a Golf Professional.  As a junior member Luke captained the Fylde junior team and won many golfing events most notably the De-Freece Trophy, Blackpool North Shore men’s premier event;

- Nicholas Marsh age 16 years a KEGC junior member since February 2008, at 15 years of age, the youngest ever winner, playing off a handicap of 3, wins KEGC men’s premier single handicap competition the Wyreside Trophy.  In 2010 Nick wins best gross prize in many junior open events both in Lancashire and Yorkshire, the Fylde Junior Championship, KEGC Junior Championship and is awarded KEGC ‘Player of the Year’;

- 6 junior members (Nicholas Marsh; Jack Clarkson; Ryan Lake; Ben Dingle, Callum Wilkinson & Curtis Walker) all aged between 14-16 years have a single figure playing handicap;

- Jack Clarkson, Ryan Lake and Nicholas Marsh represent their county;

- Jack, Ryan and Ben Dingle represent KEGC in the Fylde Junior Team;

- Emily Clarkson & Rosemary Jones receive Lancashire County Coaching;

- Jack Clarkson, Ryan Lake, Luke Walker and Ben Dingle all represented the club at Scatch level during the 2010 season,

- Sam Thornton, 10 years playing off a handicap of 24 wins KEGC Centenary Shield and receives Endeavour Award;

- Jack Clarkson, 14 years wins KEGC Junior Open with a gross 70;

- Ross Thompson KEGC 2010 Junior Captain awarded Lewis Jackson Trophy;

- Ben Dingle wins both the Junior & Men’s Singles Knockout Competitions;

- Ryan Smallshaw, Fleur Stavart & Cameron Ronson all non- handicappers win golf prizes on Junior Club Day.

Notable dates of major competitions for juniors as listed in KEGC diary;

Junior Coaching & Competitions organised by Junior Committee for all members of the junior section, weather permitting, to be held in school holidays.  Details will be posted on the junior notice boards;

Friday 3 June KEGC Junior Open;

Free Junior Coaching for all KEGC Junior Members;

Free Taster Sessions for beginners & non members;

KEGC Professionals, assisted by members of junior committee, running structured Tri-Golf & Golf Extreme sessions in local primary schools and St. Aidans Secondary School;

Professionals attending Safeguarding & Protecting Children & Equity in Coaching Workshops to keep abreast of current developments;

Members of Junior Committee attending Safeguarding & Protecting Children Workshops;

Junior leaders to be identified to attend accredited Junior leadership programme in May;

Fylde Interclub Stableford Matches:

1230hrs Tuesday 26 July @ De-Vere

0930hrs Friday 19 August @ North Shore

To Be Arranged @ St. Annes Old Links

0930hrs & Thursday 11 August Fylde Junior Championship

1200hrs @ Lytham Green Drive

0930hrs &  Thursday 1 September Fylde Junior Presidents Day

1200hrs @ Lytham Green Drive

Lancashire Ladies County Golf Association ‘Introduction to Golf Days’ for junior girl members:

Thursday 14 April @ Salmesbury Golf Centre

Thursday     21 April @ Preston Golf Club Academy

Wednesday 27 April @ Manchester Golf Club