PLAYER DEVELOPMENT IN ESSEX

by Roger Walmsley

We start County training at the under 10 level and gradually this level is getting larger as more and more clubs allow the younger membership to expand.  It is not to be confused with grass roots, our training is for boys who are already a member of a golf club and have a handicap. This is the age that the experts in golf training say is the right age to start.

 

Moving on to the core of our training programme which is for the age groups from under 12 to under 16. Essex has been and is in the main leading groups for all Counties engaged in County coaching.

 

The programme has been developed heavily in favour of the short game skills area, does little winter training but is concentrated in March, April and May so as to give the boys a good start to the season.

 

Most of the age groups have 5 full days of all-day coaching and the Essex team managers attend many of the sessions to help and to give themselves the opportunity of getting to know the boys. Attitude and application are very important and it is very pleasing to be able to report that where there is bad behaviour reported at inter County events is has not been Essex boys for the past few years.

 

The under-18 boys squad will have 2 short game sessions and will be going to Spain for a week in March. This year David Brooks (County Coach) will be going for 2 or 3 days which we feel will greatly add to the benefit of this chance to start the year on the right foot.

 

The Colts and County teams will have 1 or 2 short game sessions and also 1 or 2 full day’s practise on a links course.

 

New developments - Strength and Flexibility

Rob Page from The Warren and Bunsay Downs is a qualified Titleist instructor for a programme that improves the flexibility and strength of individuals through an exercise programme. Working with a professional golfer the programme is customised to the individual who can access his or her personalised programme through the internet.

 

Essex have put all the boys that wish to participate [with parental permission] from the under 13’s to the under 16’s on this programme.   Essex are leading the way with this development.

 

Roger Walmsley is an active member of the Essex Golf Union County Executive being Chairman of the Player Development Committee, as well as playing a full role at the English Golf Union.

THE MIGHTY MASTERS

Epping Golf Course once again staged its annual festival of junior golf on Thursday, 3rd April.  Upwards of 100 youngsters came to enjoy golfing activities which ranged from the ‘plastic’ tri-golf to a 9 hole round for the major prize.  In between there was putting, pitching and driving with professional coaches giving lessons to the beginners.

 

Designed to give young beginners a taste for the game, this Easter holiday event has none to match it in the County, and probably in the country.  Credit for its establishment goes to Neil Sjoberg, owner/manager of the club, and his members who guide the youngsters at all the events and particularly round the course.

 

The real golf consists of 3 grades, 3 holes, 6 holes and 9 in length according to age and ability.

 

For Katy Cooper of the Golf Foundation, it was her first experience of this Essex event, and she declared it ‘brilliant’ to give so many young people their first taste of golf.

 

There is no entry fee and nearly everyone gets a prize but the title of Mighty Master can only be won by a boy or girl who does not possess a club handicap.  Clubs and balls are provided for those who don’t have them. 

 

The sun shone all day and when the competitors assembled for the prize giving and were asked “Have you enjoyed yourself?” there came back a resounding “Yes!”

 

The major prize winners were, seven year old Jaime Cornwell of Nazeing Golf Club who took only 36 shots to complete 9 holes, and became the Mighty Master for 2008.

In second place Meredith Cowley of North Weald who shot 43, and in third place came Jamie Holland who shot a 47 for the nine holes.

 

There were 98 prize winners in total and the main sponsor of the event was Daniel Robinson and Sons, Funeral Directors.  Epping Council Leisure Department, the Golf Foundation and the English Golf Union also supported.