Now’s the time to enter Durham’s mini-tour

Jul 4 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

YOU are aged between seven and 11, you have never picked up a golf club and you want to go on a mini-tour as a golfer in a fortnight’s time.

Mission impossible? Not if you can make some dates in Durham County during the school summer holidays and your parents can enter you by next Wednesday.

The Durham Junior Golf Tour is a series of five nine-hole tournaments organised by the English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf Association in conjunction with the county officials.

It is open to beginners and youngsters who may have been on a driving range but have yet to step on to a course. Youngsters can play in as many of the tournaments as they like.

Julie Welch, professional at Cocken Lodge Golf Club, near Durham City, said: “All youngsters in the age-range are welcome and there is a maximum of ten shots and three putts per hole.

“There is no requirement to be a member of a club or have a handicap and golfers have the opportunity to win a nine-hole event at each venue.

“Their scores will compiled on an Order of Merit to identify champions for each age category. Each venue will be offering free coaching sessions for both the junior golfers and their parents, led by local PGA Professionals.

“There will also be pitch and putt competitions and other prizes to be won during each event. Anybody can come along and there is only one condition attached – you are only really wanted if you and your family are determined to enjoy yourselves!