Stamford Golf Club’s long-serving professional Mark Smith has been a great advocate for developing junior golf at his club and over the years has seen several of his juniors make their mark playing-wise and going on to work in the golf industry.
Stamford juniors are enjoying more success this season and a proud Mark outlines their progress: “Our growth of juniors at Stamford is growing in numbers by the day.
“Our implementation of Operation36 has offered a development platform our students can work through.
“As students advance through the stages we are encouraging them to broaden their playing experiences by engaging with external events such as the Ping Junior Golf Tour and the Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour.
“Olivia Smith has taken part in five of the fixtures that spread from as north as Middlesborough and Northumberland, claiming victory at Collingtree Park by two strokes.
“Her brother Oscar Smith also took part in the 6-7 year old category.
“Oscar finished second in his opening event at Blankney Golf club which contributed nicely towards finding himself a top eight place in the annual order of merit.
“Both players finding the top of their respective order of merits won themselves an invitation to the grand final at Thonock Park, Ping UK headquarters.
“Two birdies in the last four holes for Oscar secured third place in the Grand Final amongst some phenomenal talent.
“Narrowly missing out of the order of merit amongst some of the best junior golfers in their age group was George Wallwork also from Stamford , who claimed 10th place in the 6-7 year old order of merit.
“The word has spread and the rivalry is rich at Stamford with an abundance of interest from all of the juniors who have set their sights on great things for 2026.”
Copy & photo’s courtesy of Geoff Garnett
