Of course, in reality, very few young golfers will make it right to the top, but no matter what point they reach on the ladder, they will have a skill for life and it is likely that they will pass this on to future generations.

Junior golf is the lifeblood of the game and quality coaching is at the heart of it. Since 1973 I have been proactive in the development of youngsters in schools, club and county coaching, helping many fine players progress up the playing ladder.

I am of course very proud of tour players such as Andrew Coltart, Gary Orr, Paul Casey, Anthony Wall, James Morrison and Ross McGowan, all of whom I worked with as youngsters, but I have many more former pupils who have become club professionals or teachers, or have chosen other professions entirely. Every so often I catch up with them and I am equally proud to list amongst them a Golf Channel TV presenter, dentists, doctors, a neuro surgeon and so on. I only played a small part in their development but I like to think it was nevertheless an important part.

Presently I have several good juniors golfers who I see on an individual basis, outside my work with the Surrey County Golf Union, so whether you are junior looking to take your game to a higher level on the ‘golfing ladder’ or you are the parent/guardian of a promising youngster and would like the correct development structure for him/her, please feel free to give me a call.

James Braby, Effingham GC, a model pupil! 16 year old James has not only continued to lower his handicap (now 2.7) but he has contributed significantly to the Surrey U16 team, and the Effingham junior team which won the Guildford & District League. His commitment to strength & conditioning exercise, well planned practice & play, and school studies which resulted in 13 GCSE’s including 4 A* and 5 A passes, make 2011 a great year for James. Very well done!