Hammers kids are nailed on for golf glory
Three Hammers Golf Club welcomed their young stars to the 'Augusta of the Midlands' as the Midlands Junior Short Course Championship 2015 proved a big hit at their Coven home.
Eight-year-old golfing superstar Jayden Phipps stormed to victory in the under-eights category and there was also success for Hugh Adams, Archie Munn and Harrison Warley.
The annual event pits the top stars of the Hammers Academy, as well as guests, against each other in the under-eights, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-16 age categories.
Prodigy Jayden rose to prominence two years ago when being selected to represent Great Britain in California and has gone on to record some fine results.
The youngster, who also plays at Walsall Golf Club, retained his Midlands Junior title this year with a score of 59.
Hugh, who is a member of Hagley Golf Club as well as the Three Hammers Academy, was victorious in the 9-10 age group, shooting 56 in a solid round of play.
The returning Moor Hall Golf Club member Archie also retained his 2014 11-12 years title, finishing level-par with 54.
Fifteen-year-old Harrison enjoyed an extremely successful day, he won the 13-16 category with a score of 53, at the same time becoming the only player to shoot under-par in the American Golf-sponsored tournament.
Club director of golf Rob Bluck believes the standard of competition is there for all to see.
He said: "We had over 70 players and that in itself is absolutely brilliant. It's growing year on year and the standard is getting better and better. It went swimmingly. The scores were unbelievable, considering the age categories.
"Everyone was generally complimentary on the event – and it was nice to see a number of new faces."
The youth coach added: "The youngsters wanted to sign up for next year's straight away. They really enjoyed themselves. The numbers have grown every year. It's tough with so many entries, you have people waiting around – but it's proving popular so we will have to meet the demands.
"There were competitors from Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Next we plan to have it as an actual calendar event and to give it a more prestigious name.
"Our course was immaculate. It really was like the Augusta of the Midlands.
"We've got a great young nucleus of players. They all want to be the next Rory McIlroy, some of them can be future superstars."
