County’s junior academy getting in the swing

JUNIOR GOLF

THE Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs has launched its junior academy at Longhirst Hall GC near Morpeth.

Young players can enjoy the club’s practice facilities and the Union can use the club as a base for boys throughout the county.

County captain David Gilroy said: “Thanks to the support of Longhirst Hall, we now have somewhere to bring our most promising players on a regular basis.

“They will hopefully progress through the junior squads and eventually graduate to join the seniors.”

Graham Chambers, Director of Golf at Longhirst Hall, said:”In the last few years we have developed a

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close bond with the county union and the launch of the academy illustrates that relationship.

“We feel it is another feather in our cap and are excited to welcome the best young players in the county and watch them progress through the ranks.”

The academy will host North’s under-12, under-14 and under-16 squads for monthly sessions, led by a team of the county’s best coaches.

The under-12 squad will be coached by John McKenna, professional at Tynemouth GC, and Longhirst Hall’s Carl Nicholls.

Nicholls and Kris Bengtsson from Arcot Hall will train the under-14 squad and Michael Nesbit (pictured), the professional at Westerhope GC, and assistant George Cowan will take the under-16s.

The launch event welcomed the county’s best youngsters including former England under-18 captain Matty Lamb from Hexham - together with Desmond Duffy, president of England Golf, and Kenneth Ferrie from Matfen Hall GC.