DAVID Clarke has been instrumental in the growth of Lymm Golf Club’s junior section.

And now, his efforts have been recognised by Cheshire Golf at their annual dinner after he was awarded the Junior Organiser of the Year prize.

Having first got involved with junior golf upon moving to Lymm in 2009 to support young sons George and Tom, David helped bring together a group of people at the club to see what more could be done for their younger members in 2021.

Since then, the results have been profound culminating in their boys team winning the Cheshire Junior Team Championships this year, thereby earning the right to represent their county in national finals.

The Lymm team that won the Cheshire Junior Team Championships earlier this year (Image: Contributed) Even more locally, whether it is increased participation in junior competitions or simply getting kids to pick up a set of clubs, David admits his expectations have been exceeded.

“In October 2021, a group of us from the golf club got together to see what we could do for the juniors,” he explained.

“It seemed that, whilst we were good at offering lessons, we weren't seeing those players develop and getting out onto the course.

“I took on the role of junior organiser and recruited a young golf coach in Harry Shaw to run our junior lessons.

“I hooked up with the Golf Foundation and using their blue print and after talking with other JOs and professionals, we developed a plan that would see us evolve with a clear pathway for junior golfers - our phrase was 'getting faces on the fairways.'

“Since then, we've had an amazing three years and have exceeded our expectations.

“It's been a lot of work and taken a lot of time but seeing the juniors out playing and their infectious enthusiasm is brilliant, we're all very proud of our junior section.

“When we first ran our junior competitions we had four players turn up, now we average over 30 for a competition.

“Three years ago we had 45 juniors of which eight had a World Handicap Index (WHI), now we have 95 juniors, 54 of which have a WHI.

“I registered us for the Golf Foundation's 'Golf Sixes' in the first year – we hadn't done that before but went on to win it, not just in 2022 but also in 2023 and 2024 and this was brilliant for developing our very young players.

“Together with Styal, Mottram and Ringway we developed the Junior 9s, providing the next step to the golfing pathway once players were too good for Golf Sixes.

“In 2024, we entered two teams and our 'Senior Juniors' – the Foxes – won it with the Cubs finishing third.

“We had stopped playing in the Mid Cheshire Junior League (MCJL) but we scrambled together a team in the first year and now have players queuing up and fighting for a place to play in the team.

“Our philosophy is all about getting those 'faces on the fairways' and developing players so that they can enjoy golf.

“Along the way we'll get some exceptional players but it really is about having an environment where juniors can enjoy playing golf with their friends.”

However, it is clear that Lymm do not want to stop there and as 2025 nears, David explained his aims for the new year while also paying tribute to those who help him carry out his visions.

“In 2025 we want to get more girls into golf, so we'll be running some specific programmes for the girls and are in the planning stages now,” he said.

“This will be complemented by a more general programme for the younger players and we'll look to hook up with the Girls Golf Rock and Get into Golf Rookies programmes from England Golf.

“Earlier this year, I qualified as a Community Golf Instructor, so I can provide a pair of helping hands to Harry when he needs them.

“We also run group lessons that are for the older players so those at high school can learn in their peer group.

“Running a junior section is not a task for one person and it needs a team to make it work.

“Dave Griffiths and Andy Cunningham have been fundamental to the success of the juniors and Lou Simmonds has been great running our social media.

“It also needs the willingness and backing of the club to allow us to get on with things.

“Of course, being golfers ourselves means that we recognise what we can and can't get away with – after all we are part of that club and want out juniors to become an integral part of the golf club.”

For more information about Lymm Golf Club’s junior section, get in touch via email at juniors@lymmgolfclub.co.uk.