Cheshire Junior Captain 2020
JESSICA Turner, who currently plays off 10 handicap, is delighted to have been chosen as the Cheshire Girls Captain for 2020 as she is looking to build on a hard-working time in golf with plenty of success along the way.
Her pathway into golf is an excellent role model for girls looking to take up golf and enjoy the game
Jessica outlined her career to date: “2006 was the first proper year where I started to play golf my Dad was always interested in golf as he played golf when he was a young adult, so that’s what mainly got me interested in the game.
“I went to Graham Moore’s golf school based in my local area in Northwich where he would do various skills tests and 6-hole and 9-hole competitions for juniors who were new to golf.
“It was a fun way of getting to know other people and made golf feel fun.
“In 2011 I first properly joined an actual club which was Sandiway Golf Club where I used to just play with my dad and sister Victoria on the weekends and I would play off the blue tees as the course was far too long for me!
“I officially gained my first handicap of 44 the year after and I started to get more involved with Cheshire in 2011 where I would just play in the 9-hole comps and I kept winning these!
“I remember one of my many young successes is when I won the Chester Junior Open shooting 22 over off a handicap of 30 – I was only six over par after 9 holes!
“2015 was the first year where I took golf more seriously playing in numerous Cheshire and club competitions. My sister and I decided to move to Delamere Forest Golf Club that year where in my first two weeks of being an official member of the club I already managed to get my handicap down.
“In the summer of 2015, I represented Delamere in many C team matches. I always love match play as it is one of my favourite games of golf as you’re in the zone.
“I played in the Cheshire Junior championship that year and I won the U14 Scratch Trophy. It was a complete shock to me as I didn’t even feel like I played that well!
“2015 was the year when I started to represent Cheshire juniors in more of their matches along with my sister. The year after I started to play in more national competitions along with playing competitions at my club and county and in the matches too.
“I played in the English Girls championships as I had just managed to get my handicap down to get in it. I went into this competition with no pressure and just took it in experience in which I managed to break 90 for the first time.
“I was only 12 over after day one and was already halfway up the field with being one of the highest handicaps in it!
“One of my best successes that year was playing in the Northern County championships representing Cheshire and winning the overall nett for the championship. The season was going well as I had already managed to get my handicap down within two weeks.
“Towards the end of the 2016 season I had already dropped my handicap three shots where I played in my club’s Junior Open and I managed to shoot my lowest score 11 over, so far, winning it by one shot.
“2018 and 2019 have been similar years where I have played in many county matches and club matches along with playing in county and club competitions.
“One of my best highlights from 2018 was winning the Findlay Cup, second place in the club knockout, and the 1925 trophy at my home golf club.
“Some of my best successes from last season were coming second in the Junior Championship and managing to get to the finals of my club’s ladies’ knockout.
“My Golf experience in county level and club has been brilliant and I’m hoping that 2020 has lots more in store for me. I really want to make my last year as junior as best as it can possibly be!”
“I wouldn’t have got through my progress in Golf without Cheshire. I would just like to say a massive thank you to Cheshire for their support. They have been there throughout my whole experience in golf and have been a massive credit for me. They have encouraged many juniors along the way and are always looking out for them. Cheshire love seeing the young juniors grow and excel into the incredible golfers that they will be one day! Of course, I wouldn’t be where I was today if it weren’t for my parents. Especially my dad who has driven the lengths of the country for me and my sister to play in competitions, to golf lessons he has been there every second of the way and loves seeing me playing golf. Both my parents have always been their supporting me throughout my time playing golf. I couldn’t thank them enough for what they do! My big help along the way have come from both Adam Powell and Richard Green. They both have pushed and believed in me. They have a massive impact in my golf game and I just couldn’t thank them enough for what they do for me! Of course, I couldn’t forget to say a massive thank you to Delamere! The support I get from the members and how they have made me feel very welcomed since I joined and found out I was Junior captain! They are always looking out for me in Cheshire competitions and Golf club competitions and matches too. I wouldn’t been where I was today if it weren’t for everyone. I’m very thankful for everyone’s support.
“2020 is a big year for me, I feel it’s the year where big choices must be made regarding my future. I’m currently in my final year at South Cheshire College studying a BTEC in Travel and Tourism. One of my big career dreams one day is to hopefully work with a big airline company as cabin crew. I have always loved travelling the world, seeing new places and experiencing different cultures! Along with working towards my career my golf comes alongside it. My aims and plans for 2020 is to work on my game and become a better player than I am! I currently play off 10 and I really want to get down to 5 at the end of the year. Of course, the main aim in the county is to play in as many matches and competitions as I can and support my fellow teammates along the way. I love seeing Juniors improve. I always hope that they aspire to be the best they can! Some main events that I’m hopefully doing this year is going up to St Andrews and playing in a tournament there as well as playing in the Northern regional championships which is up in Durham! A big achievement for me would be getting into the English Girls Championships as they always have a strong international field! Having this role as Junior captain is one of the best opportunities I have had, and I can’t wait to see what the season looks like in my new role. In the future I hope I can be the best possible amateur player I can be alongside my dream career on the airlines.
(Pictures & Report by Geoff Garnett)
