GOLF: It is a recognised fact that those who learn to swing a golf club properly at an early age, keep on swinging well into a much later stage in life.

GOLF

IT is a recognised fact that those who learn to swing a golf club properly at an early age, keep on swinging well into a much later stage in life.

It is probably also true to say that those who play the game from childhood acquire a quality of life and high standards of behaviour that are beneficial not only to the young people, but to society in general.

Julie Larter, Suffolk girls county junior organiser, said: "These are the altruistic motives that inspire the adult golfers of Suffolk and other counties to encourage the young.

"More practically, there is the desire for the senior county team to succeed in the English County Championship. Success here filters down to the clubs and ensures the continuing overall health of the game in general."

So, how does a girl start to play golf? If she comes from a golfing family it is quite simple. Parental encouragement and an active golf club will get things moving.

For the others, a few times around a pay-and-play course, or a session hitting balls at a driving range, might fire the imagination.

In both cases it is time to look a bit further on the basis that the earlier good habits are learned, the easier the game should become and that improvement comes through effective coaching and by playing with one's peers.

Sadly, more often than not, young lady golfers are thin on the ground in many clubs, and it is a fact that the girls enjoy playing the game among their own sex.

The County Association plays an important part in golfing interaction between the young ladies of Suffolk.

The girls are encouraged through a committee attached to the County Golf Association, and more are needed to keep the ball rolling.

Julie said: "If the girls are old enough to swing a golf club, it doesn't matter whether or not their parents play the game. They must simply be enthusiastic and want to join in the coaching sessions."

Professionals Kelvin Vince and Paul Wilby take charge of the beginners at Fynn Valley, and those with handicaps lower than 37 learn the techniques of improvement with Alistair Spink at Hintlesham.

Coaching sessions are fun, sociable and good for co-ordination, and they are also free.

The junior girls have their own county championship, play inter-county matches, take part in fun days and are encouraged to enter junior open competitions.

Julie said: "With 90 girls registered, I am looking to parents, professionals and club members to let me know when any 'likely lasses' appear on the scene.

"At the moment there is a gap in the ranks of the early teenagers. Although this age group would be particularly welcome, anyone under the age of 18 can sign up whether or not they already belong to a golf club, safely assured of a happy time among like-minded youngsters."

Any girl who might be interested in taking up the game, should ring Julie on 01728-723269.

Results

The first was against Essex at Colchester that Essex won 3.5 to 2.5.

Details (Suffolk names first): Merelina Byford beat Debbie Holland 2 up; Sarah Olden lost to Sarah Graves one down; Vicky Inglis lost to Hannah Moul 2 down; Jenny Woodhatch halved with Lucy Clarke; Amanda Amey beat Georgina Kilby conceded; Laura Goldfinch lost to Lorna Hitchcock 3 and 2.

At Newmarket Suffolk beat Norfolk 3.5 to 2.5.

Details (Suffolk names first): Merelina Byford halved with Lucy Tufts; Sarah Owen lost to Amy Skoulding 3 and 2; Lisa Meredith beat Kerry Parnell 6 and 5; Jenny Woodhatch beat Laura Jennings 5 and 3; Emma Nicol lost tom Cassie Pickerill 4 and 3; Amanda Amey beat Laura Burton 6 and 4.

SUE Chate, the 21-handicap lady captain at Thorpeness, had a hole in one at the tenth hole in the ALS Lions Remembered Charity Golf Day at her home course. She used a five wood and then made a donation to charity rather than buy drinks all round.

The shot was witnessed by Thorpeness vice-captain John Cross who had seen Eric Duckworth, a past captain, have an ace at the same hole with a five iron five days earlier.

The Lions' charity day raised around £1,200. Haley-Green, a Colchester-based side, won with 98 points (any three from four to score off threequarter handicap). Nev Green, a member of the winning team, had a round of 85.

Former Ipswich Town manager Bobby Ferguson was nearest the pin at the second hole and Ewan Dodds nearest at the 16th. The prizes for the longest drives went to Kevin Nutt and Brian Pring.