Youngsters win Skills Challenge National Final

On Saturday, September 29, eight youngsters were crowned 2012 champions of England Golf's annual National Skills Challenge at The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa.

The final was played between 30 young golfers from across the country as they showed off their putting, chipping, bunker, pitching and long game skills.

There are currently four divisions (rookie: eight years & under, rookie: nine to 11 years, tour: 12 to 14 years and tour: 15 to 17 years), with one boy and girl winner from each division.

"It is great to see youngsters with such golfing talent taking part in our Skills Challenge National Final," said Richard Flint, England Golf's Development Manager. "This can be credited to the coaching they receive from their home clubs."

Now in its seventh year, the National Skill Challenge continues to grow, with nearly 800 clubs registered and 6,200 juniors involved nationwide.

"The Skills Challenge continues to grow each year and England Golf would like to see even more clubs represented, giving their juniors an opportunity to take part and qualify for the regional and national final," Flint said.

Following this year's final, England Golf ran a Ryder Cup Challenge for its participants - over five holes at the short game academy - with Team USA winning the event.

For more information about the National Skills Challenge, go to www.getintogolf.org/skills

The 2012 Champions are:

Rookie 8 years & under Boys' winner - Drew Mackinnon, Southampton Golf Club Girls' Winner - Rio Everitt, Stowmarket Golf Club

Rookie 9 to 11 years Boys' winner - Harry Fricker, Ufford Park Golf Club Girls' winner - Bethany Fletcher, Heysham Golf Club

Tour 12 to 14 years Boys' winner - James Swash, Ingleby Barwick Golf Academy Girls' winner - Georgina Hirst, Flamborough Head Golf Club

Tour 15 to 17 years Boys' winner- Josh McMahon, Bromsgrove Golf Centre Girls' winner - Megan Cullen, Heysham Golf Club