Cheshire Golf is proud to have produced many top junior golfers, boys and girls over the years and seen how they have developed their ambitions in a variety of careers in golf all over the world.
Ryan Owen (pictured) had a fine junior career with Cheshire with plenty of playing highlights and he is now enjoying starting as a PGA professional at Styal Golf Club and still playing some competitive golf at a high standard.
Ryan outlined his development and progress in golf from beginning to now which could guide young golfers along the same pathway.
Ryan said: “I grew up in Newall Green, Wythenshawe – went to school at Newall Green High School until the age of 16 before moving on to Loreto College in Hulme, Manchester – studied Economics, Accounting and Maths at A-Level.
“I started playing golf at the age of 10 at Gatley GC, before moving onto Styal GC at age 13 and joined Wilmslow GC at the age of 16 alongside being a member at Styal GC where I still remain a member at both clubs to this day representing both clubs. “Nobody in my family plays golf and my love for the game started when I was a kid through playing mini golf on holiday, at age 10.
“I asked my dad if I could try golf, so he bought me a set of clubs from a car boot sale for £10 and that’s where it all started!
“I played for Cheshire U14s, U16s and U18s.
“I won the Wilmslow Junior Open at age 17, breaking the Junior Course record at the time with a bogey free 67.
“I started working at Styal GC aged 18 after finishing college and I started to take the game more seriously at the age of 19 after Covid.
“I qualified for the Brabazon Trophy in 2021 and 2022 at Ganton GC and Saunton GC respectively and finished top five in the Northern Order of Merit in 2023 which included winning the Bolton Old Links Trophy.
“I represented Cheshire Men’s team from 2021 – 2024.and finished in second place at the County Championships at Hoylake in June 2024 before turning Professional in July.
“I closed the season off playing in a handful of events on The Clutch Tour then wrist injuries towards the end of the season kept me out of action from competitive golf for most of 2025.
“I started the PGA degree in October 2025 and this enables me to play more competitive golf via the MDGA and PGA Events whilst also studying so I can work in the industry in some capacity whether that is coaching/mentoring the next generation of golfers.
“People I would like to thank are my first coach – Tom Bolton who coached me from the ages of 10-14, and played a huge role in getting me to Cheshire u14s.
“Also the Cheshire County coaches Mark Johnson, Pete Barber, John Heggarty and Jordan Massey and everyone behind the scenes for their time and dedication to the county programme.
“Simon Forrest my coach at Styal since 2020 and most importantly my dad for supporting me throughout and spending almost all of his free time driving me around to competitions all over the country over the years.
“My future plans are that after completing the PGA degree, my aim is to carry on competing, play development tours and enter Q school.
“My golfing idol is Luke Donald – I always modelled my game off his, not the longest but had an incredible short game and was the best putter on tour in his prime.
“The best part of my game is Distance Control and areas looking to improve – Putting –to be the best putter inside 10 feet.
“My most recent playing success was in the Manchester and Distric Alliance Winter Series competition at Hart Common where I won the top individual pro prize against some of the top pros in the region.”
Copy: Geoff Garnett
Images: Cheshire Golf & Geoff Garnett
