Golf

HAWKHURST Golf Club hosted their first Hawkhurst Junior Masters event for 32 young competitors on Sunday. With handicaps that ranged from seven to 45, the standard of play was inspiring.

Only two entrants in the competition were girls, but one, Chloe Frankish, beat all the boys with a Stableford score of 52 points to win first prize.

Hawkhurst club professional Peter Chandler said: "It is not the easiest of courses, even for adult players, but these youngsters were not at all intimidated. Between them they totted up many birdies over the 18-hole Stableford competition.

"In every way this has been a great success, with young players from all areas of The Weald taking part. The Junior Masters competition will now definitely be an annual event."

Club captain Paul Ellis made the presentations.

Hawkhurst Golf Club takes a big interest in its young golfers, encouraging them in every way with tuition and special competitions largely set up by Peter Chandler.

Local businessmen have contributed generously to a Golf Academy at the club with donations of over £1,300.

This money will go towards running the annual Junior Masters competition and providing a day out for academy members to other courses.

Results: 1 Chloe Frankish 52 points, 2 Nick Gornall 48, 3 Oliver Bentsen 42, 4 Hamish Cloke 41, 5 Liam Bartwood 36. Longest drive: James White. Nearest pin: Toby Houchin. Best scratch score: Alex Young (off 7). Women's prize: Nicole Stewart.