GOLF: Seckford could have a star in the making after 17-year-old James Peasey won both the men and juniors club championship – and set a new amateur course record into the bargain.

GOLF

SECKFORD could have a star in the making after 17-year-old James Peasey won both the men and juniors club championship – and set a new amateur course record into the bargain.

James, who works in the club's professional shop, only took the game up four years ago, but he's already playing off a five handicap and has become Seckford's first category one player.

In the Seckford Junior Championship James was involved in a dramatic five-hole play-off with another talented youngster, Mark Etheridge, before securing the first leg of his double triumph.

After both players had shot excellent two over par 70s, it took a further five extra holes to decide the outcome in James' favour.

In the men's championship, played over 36 holes, James opened up with a 72 but trailed Alex Cameron, who had shot a first round 69, by three shots.

However, in the afternoon he left the rest of the field trailing in his wake with a brilliant one under par 67 to set a new amateur course record and to take the title by six shots from Mark Etheridge with Marjoram in third place.

Cameron could do no better than an 84 in his second round and said: "I blew it. Perhaps the pressure got to me. After my first two holes in the afternoon there was a delay for thunder and lightning that didn't help. But it was a lot of fun."

James, who lives in Kesgrave and would eventually like to turn professional, has been a member at Seckford since he took up golf and was taught by Simon Jay, the club's PGA professional.

"Simon taught me so well and I would urge any juniors looking to take up the game to simply go for it," said James. "Get to play as much as you can and join in the club competitions.

"When I first started I was playing non-stop. Now I get to play three or four times a week. I still have improvements to make and I want to get down to a scratch handicap because I would like to become a professional."

Simon Jay, understandably, is delighted with James' progress and said: "He has a great talent and a fantastic attitude. He is also willing to learn and keep improving. All this makes him such a good prospect.

"Helping to bring youngsters into the game is a super part of my job and it is very rewarding when they go on and perform like James.

"Since being recognised by the Junior Golf Foundation our junior membership has grown. We like to give them the best possible start as well as providing an atmosphere where they and their families feel welcome."

Results

Men's Club Championship: 139- J Peasey 72, 67; 145- M Etheridge 71, 74; 146- C Marjoram 71, 75; 150- J Cunnell 74, 76; 153- J Pendle 76, 77,J Simmons 79, 74, A Cameron 69, 84; 162- M Clements 81, 81; 163- C Pratt 83, 80; 164- M Cook 80, 84.

Burton Bowl (lowest nett score in club championship): J Cunnell 61,63; J Pendle 62, 63; A Cameron 57, 72.

Junior Championship: 70- J Peasey, M Etheridge (Peasey won at fifth extra hole), J Fairbrother 74.

Junior Championship Under-14s (nine holes scratch): J Draycott, J Scott, L Gipson.

Ladies Championship (Hollis Shield): A Harrison 96-33-63; D Lewis 99-33-66; V Berry 98-27-71.