Cash boost for junior golf in York (From Gazette & Herald)

Cash boost for junior golf in York

12:05pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

JUNIOR golf in York has bagged a cash lift as the season prepares to go into overdrive.

For the first time in its 82-year history, the York Union of Golf Clubs has entered into a sponsorship deal.

York-based company Glencor Golf Holidays are to provide backing to help the Union to fund the growth of junior golf among its 14 member clubs.

Top among the graduates from the York Union junior coaching scheme is none other than current world number 83 and six-time European Tour championship winner Simon Dyson.

He progressed as a youngster through to county competitions and then on to national recognition before appearing in the Walker Cup as the pinnacle of his amateur career.

It was a year after he represented Great Britain in the Walker Cup 1999, alongside former world number one Luke Donald, that Dyson turned professional.

Said Paul Yates, a member of the YUGC’s executive committee: “It is through such coaching, mentoring and provision of challenging competition that the York Union of Golf Clubs develops young talented golfers from being juniors showing promise to mature golfers representing the county and eventually England.”

He added that last year the Union’s junior commitment increased when it entered a junior team in the County Inter-District League for the first time after a lengthy gap.

“This has been very successful with the young juniors learning a great deal from the challenges offered by these events,” added Yates, who is takes over as captain of York Golf Club in the next two weeks.

“But this requires funding, with the costs of running the junior team increasing.

“The costs of running all the union teams in 2011 increased from nearly £7,000 to nearly £12,000 in 2012.

“Glencor Golf Holidays are now helping the Union to fund its junior development schemes and, as a company, their line of business matches the Union’s activities excellently.”

Glencor Golf Holidays offer value golf breaks to Spain, Portugal, Turkey and the UK. Established in 1995, the company provides tailored golf holidays for anyone from sole travellers to groups of 20-plus.

Yates added how the Union is seeking even more sponsorship as it bids to continue its pledge to develop the junior game.

Added Yates: “We would welcome enquiries from any company or organisation is interested in discussing possibilities and options.

“The York Union teaches its youngsters, not only the skills of the game, but the ethics and behaviours that stand them in good stead in all walks of life.”

Anyone interested in potential sponsorship can phone Yates on 07885 087594 or email Paul.yates@owl-it.co.uk