This is the second year the Academy, which is sponsored by Butterfield, has held the event that gives all junior golfers on the island the opportunity to play in a competitive setting.
The Junior Open accommodated 40% more participants this year, which according to Andy Myers, Head PGA professional at the Golf Academy, reflects the booming uptake of golf on the island.
Andy commented: “We have seen a real increase in islanders taking up or getting back into the sport this year and what has been particularly noticeable is the increase in junior, female and new golfers.
“The number of competitors taking place in the Junior Open compared to last year is a fantastic reflection of this alone. Growing interest in island golf is at the heart of what we do at the Academy, so it is great that we can see this in action despite the unsettling start to the year when the club and course were closed due to lockdown”.
The Junior competition was divided into three categories, with entrants playing 6, 9 or 18 holes. Three golfers who have harnessed their love of the sport with the Academy are Rory Clarke, Charlie Czarnecki and Ansel Vidamour, all came away from the competition with smiles on their faces after winning their handicap categories (18, 9 and 6 holes respectively).
Jamie Trebert, Rebekah Drengere and Bayley Crossland, also had fantastic rounds, walking away with second place in their respective categories and Rory McKenna was awarded the Scratch Prize.
Lindsay Ozanne, Managing Director of Butterfield Trust (Guernsey) Limited said: “Congratulations to all the junior golfers who took part in the Open. We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Guernsey Golf Academy and support its pursuit of making golf accessible to all, it really is wonderful to see more and more young golfers getting involved in the sport”.
Natalie Goodall, who joined the Academy’s dedicated team of coaches last year as an Assistant Teaching Professional, focuses on enhancing the junior and ladies’ divisions.
Natalie commented: “I was introduced to golf at a young age and as a female professional, I love that my role is focused on developing the island’s junior and lady golfers.
“We are always working towards greater accessibility and inclusivity in the sport. We are very lucky to receive Butterfield’s support, without which, we would not be able to offer the opportunities we do”.
