In 2025 Cheshire Boys team had their best season for 27 years winning the England Boys County championship and several team and individual competitions led by their Captain Cole Self (Ringway GC).
Cole is being succeeded by one of his top team members Matty Griffiths (Lymm GC)
Matty said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the Cheshire Boys Captain for 2026. It means a great deal to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing group of young, talented players. “Having been part of the County Golf Teams from an early age, this is the pinnacle in my final year as a County junior golfer to lead the team.
“For me, this role is all about demonstrating the right behaviours on and off the course, showing leadership when it matters, and upholding everything that Cheshire Golf stands for. I’m really looking forward to representing the county, supporting my team-mates, and setting the highest standards throughout the season,
“I am also thrilled to have been selected for the 2026 England Regional Boys Squad, a truly massive honour, and my proudest achievement to date. Representing Cheshire at all Boys’ and Men’s levels, helping the team secure the County Boys national final in 2025 has also been incredibly rewarding.
“I attended Lymm High School completing my GCSE’s in 2024 before moving to Myerscough Golf College in Garstang to complete a Level 3 BTech in Golf Studies where I am in my second year. My plan is to attend University in September 2026 (I have offers from both US and UK for Scholarship programs) but have not yet committed to a college or university.
“I am a 17-year-old amateur golfer from Grappenhall, Cheshire. Golf has been my passion since I first picked up a club at age eight, starting at Nefyn Golf Club in Wales before joining Lymm Golf Club shortly afterwards.
“Through this sport, I’ve learned that dedication and discipline are the foundations of excellence. “My passion for constant improvement, competing on bigger stages, and pushing my own limits inspires me to pursue my dream of becoming a Tour Pro. I have been fortunate to play and win some great events and tours in recent years including the following highlights. England Boys 2026 Regional Squad, Lymm Golf Club Course Record Holder – 63 (-8), July 2025, 2025 Lymm Golf Club Champion Golfer – Men’s and Junior Champion titles, Member of the victorious Cheshire Boys Team at the England National County Finals, Intercollegiate North Order of Merit Champion 2025, Myerscough College Order of Merit Champion (2025), Myerscough Tour Finals Champion (2025), Junior European Open Finalist – 2025 (T5th), 2024 (T13th), 2023 (T17th), and various club and regional junior event wins.
In recognition of my leadership, I have been selected as the 2026 Captain for both the Cheshire County Boys’ Team 2026, and the Myerscough College golf team. With a current handicap of +3.3.
“I remain dedicated to working tirelessly, every day, toward my ultimate goal: competing as a professional golfer at the highest level.
“ I would like to thank-the junior organisers at both Nefyn and Lymm Golf Club who were incredibly supportive and helped make the sport fun and welcoming from the start. After taking part in group lessons as a young junior at Lymm, I was introduced to Andrew Murray, who became my swing coach. I’ve been coached by Andrew ever since, and his guidance has been a huge part of my development.
“At ten years old, I was selected for the Cheshire Junior Development Squad, and I’m extremely grateful to all the coaches and managers who have supported me over the years. In particular, I’d like to thank Peter Barber and John Heggarty, along with every manager I’ve played for at each age group—each of them has played a part in helping me progress.
“Most importantly, I want to recognise the support of my parents, who go to incredible lengths travelling across the country and Europe to give me the opportunity to compete. I couldn’t do what I do without them.
“My eventual goal is to play professional golf and compete on the major tours. I believe I have the ability and work ethic for this but I appreciate I have some way still to go. In the shorter term, I
have set some goals which can act as development milestones such as reduce my handicap to +4 by Summer 2026 (currently +3.3), gain World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, attend Open qualifying to experience major events, play in all the major UK and European Junior Amateur Tour Events 2026 and gain a win along the way.
I was recently interviewed for Sky Sports Golf and was asked what would be my dream fourball. My answer was Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and my dad. I think of the three, Rory is my golfing idol as he has been the dominant player as I have grown up watching golf and I like the way he stands up for what he believes in.
“Finally I am incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me so far as a junior golfer and continue to do so.
“A group of my dad’s friends (Vilamoura Lads) have come together to support my 2026 season with a sponsorship donation which I am also incredibly grateful for as this will support entry into events such as Open Qualifying. Golf is my passion, and I appreciate I am fortunate to have the opportunity to make a career out of this passion which is an absolute privilege and a dream I hope will become a reality.”
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images: Cheshire Golf
