DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR THE JUNIOR TEAM!

Sheffield Union of Golf Clubs’ junior team have, once more, won the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs League and it’s Team Championship.  This is the third year running they have retained the titles and the fourth year they have been victorious in the league.

The league form never wavered until their penultimate match at the alpine style course that Dewsbury is where they had to settle for a halved game which robbed them of a clean sweep of wins. Just over 20 young men represented the Union in 2025 and each one played their part in each of the performances ensuring the victories played on differing courses in varied weather through out the Spring and Summer.

The six-man team event was held at Hull Golf Club. Picking six players from the 20 was a very hard job as the format is very different to that which the league is played whereas this is 36 holes of Medal with the top 5 scores to count toward the total. We had lost our Captain due to his inaugural year of study with golf in the USA, throughout both campaigns not only did he play but was instrumental in agreeing with the management team who should make the team on each occasion. The week of the competition Spencer Gill had emergency surgery to remove his appendix so had to drop out.

The practice round was played on the Wednesday afternoon in very bright and sunny conditions but with a strong wind blowing across from the Humber Bridge. We all thought the course was in pretty good condition and was certainly greener than some of those we were experiencing at Home.

An early night was required and we older ones did exactly that, I am not sure our team followed that example. They looked a little delicate the following morning most of them preferring the MacDonald’s to the buttie that the Golf Club were providing.

Round one commenced at 7 am and to the players credit was played in a good spirit and fine weather apart from that wind which we seem to have had for most of this golfing season.

Following an excellent lunch of Bolognese pasta round 2 got off on schedule and at half way the oncourse scoring had us in front by 6 shots. Half way through the clouds became darker and thicker and thunder was expected, fortunately that warning was dropped and what followed was a very heavy rain storm which conveniently passed in about 20 minutes. What was interesting was how the few holes it was raining the scores increased and the narrow margin of our lead diminished completely putting Teeside ahead of us. The fluctuation of the result continued hole after hole in our and their favour right until very last green where Teeside had 12-footer to win the Championship but if they missed it was ours. The young man from Teeside was clearly under pressure knowing both teams, officials, parents were watching. The ball passed the hole and it was then that both sides applauded each other.  Burger and chips followed and the presentation of prizes commenced.

Thanks were expressed to Hull Golf Club, the referees and officials, greens and catering staff but especially to Alan Baraclough and his wife who are retiring after 38 years as Secretary of the Yorkshire District Union.

In conclusion may I appeal to all member Golf Clubs of the Sheffield Union to please look at what you provide for junior golfers as its disturbing to hear that some golf clubs do not even have a junior section. We more seasoned adults can take heart that those who do provide a facility can reap the benefits for the young people are our future.  We too often tell them what not to do yet rarely tell them what they can do.

The example the players of our teams was again exemplary as it has been for years and the etiquette and manners shown to each other and opposing players is superb.

Finally thank you to all the players - you are a credit to your Clubs, parents but mainly yourselves.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Dinner in November where all those whom have represented us this year will receive their medal.

Here’s to 2026!

Neil

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