Fulwell Golf Club plays host to the English Schools Golf Association National Championships on June 22, featuring many of the country’s budding amateur golfers.

The field will include around 80 boys and girls (aged 18 or under) who have won through to the event from regional qualifiers.

14 players will be playing off a handicap of scratch or better with both defending champions attending, Matt Kippen from Bridgewater College in Somerset, for the boys and for the girls, Jamie Leigh Voss, from Fulhurst Community College in Leicestershire.

The event has an impressive list of past champions including European stars, Paul Broadhurst and Scott Drummond. Interestingly, a few big names have competed, but failed to win, such as: Lee Westwood; Luke Donald; and Paul Casey.

This event heralds a return of championship golf to Fulwell. In 1954 the News of the World Professional tournament was played at the Club with the likes of Bobby Locke and Max Faulkner participating and in 1957 the Teachers Senior Professional Golf Tournament, which although only a spectator, was attended by the original course designer and 5 times Open champion, J.H. Taylor.

Other notable names who have had an association with Fulwell are Henry Cotton, who began his career at the Club with his brother Leslie in 1923 and well renown Golf Teacher, author and TV commentator, Bill Cox who was resident Professional for some 30 years.

Bringing things right up to date Fulwell, currently boasts two of its members as Professional Touring Golfers: European Tour Professional, Rob Dinwiddie who qualified for last years American Open in his rookie year on tour; and Tom Reid, who has just begun his Professional career on the more domestically based Euro- Pro Tour.

The amateur course record at Fulwell is currently 65. With a 66 recorded just last weekend at the Club’s Captain’s Day by member, Simon Westgarth (playing off a handicap of 3), it is hoped a new record will be set by one of the boys or girls attending.

One thing is for sure, some top class golf will be displayed by these young Stars of Tomorrow.