The Isle of Man Golf Union’s junior championship took place at Peel recently.

The annual event, which is kindly sponsored by Capital International Bank, is an annual event designed to showcase the talents of young golfers from the island’s eight clubs.

This competition offers players the opportunity to display their golfing skills in a competitive environment and acts as a stepping stone for future participation in higher-level tournaments.

The 2024 edition featured some of the island’s most promising juniors, highlighting the depth of talent being nurtured at our local golfing venues.

This year’s championship was held at Peel Golf Club, a course renowned for its excellent condition and challenging layout. It also known for its undulating greens and tight fairways, which proved to be a tough test for the young golfers.

Breezy conditions on the day added to the challenge. Those who adapted by emphasising accuracy over distance fared better in the final standings.

The tournament saw more than 40 young golfers, ranging in age from nine to 17, taking part.

All players enjoyed free entry and a goody bag prior to teeing off.

The players were divided into different age categories which allowed for fair competition with similar levels of development and experience.

Several young golfers delivered superb performances, showing poise, concentration and skill well beyond their years.

Among them was young Rocco Spencer from Mount Murray.

His round of 83 saw him clinch the title in all the main categories.

Congratulations also to Shannon Saunders from the host club who picked up the girls’ prize followed by Eva Moore.

A packed clubhouse also watched Harvey J. Wagstaffe, Dan Keiver, Ryan Smith-Williams, Bobby Astin and Carter Crooks collect their prizes.

The Golf Union’s Andrew Patterson added: ‘One of the most exciting developments from this year’s championship was the emergence of much younger players.

‘Their performances highlighted the fact that golf is becoming a popular sport once again and continues to go from strength to strength.

‘Playing a crucial role in the development of our young golfers, the event provides them with experience in performing on the “stage”.

‘Many of the participants have aspirations to play more competitive golf and improve their games and that can only be good for the future.

‘We hope that the island’s clubs and their junior coordinators will help them in their journey.

‘The 2024 Junior Golf Championship was a resounding success.

‘From thrilling performances to the display of resilience in tough conditions, the young golfers demonstrated their potential to become future stars of the sport.

‘The championship not only provided exciting competition but also fostered the growth of the next generation of golfers by offering them a platform to shine and develop their skills.

‘As junior golf continues to gain momentum, events like this will be crucial in shaping the future of the sport, nurturing talent and inspiring young golfers to pursue dreams in their golfing world.

‘If golf is a sport you would like to try, and perhaps play in next year’s tournament, pop along to your nearest club and ask about their Junior membership or contact myself and I can put you in touch with the club.

‘With annual fees from as little as £30, including coaching, golf is a great value activity too.’

The IoMGU would like to express its gratitude to the western club for allowing the use of the course, the generosity shown to all the players and officials and also to Alex and her staff behind the bar.