The junior section at Enmore Park is the lifeblood of the club, not only does it introduce young people to the game, but a number of those who join will remain members for life, writes Richard Walsh.

Currently Enmore has over 25 junior members, both boys and girls between eight and 18 years of age and ranging in ability from beginners to county players.

Sean Canavan, who has been junior organiser since 2016, explained how the system works.

“If children are interested in playing golf, then they can come along to the club and join in with the Saturday morning lessons and try it out before deciding," he said.

"For non-members there is £5 charge, which includes the use of clubs."

The coaching sessions and lessons organised and run by assistant PGA pro Harry Brown have proved invaluable in enabling the juniors to enjoy their successes.

“As players become more competent then there is an opportunity for them to start playing on the course at the weekend (Saturday or Sunday afternoons) via Junior Section Events, which are over nine holes," Canavan added.

“As players progress further and become more competent, reaching a 36 handicap, they can take part in dedicated junior competitions as well as adult competitions."

In 2021, a number of Junior Section Events have already been organised and around 10 junior competitions planned, along with matches in the Somerset Junior league, plus matches against Enmore's Ladies, Men's and Seniors.

Theo Culverhouse, an eight handicapper who is 16 years old and attends Bishop Foxes School, will be the junior captain in 2021.

Enmore has a number of juniors who have been selected for Somerset Development and full junior squads including Olivia Lake, Alice Lee, Rory Lake and Tom Canavan, who is playing off a handicap of 0.9 and captained Somerset under-16s last year and was recently selected for SW England regional trials.

Joe Clarke, who is 16 years old, lives at North Petherton and currently plays off a handicap of 13.4, is one of the youngsters who has come up through the system, having joined in 2017.

Sue, his mum, explained how easy for him to get involved: “Joe wanted to give golf as try so we took him for a couple of taster sessions.

"He really enjoyed it and has really taken to it which is great.

“From a parent's point of view the club is really friendly and it’s a nice safe place for the juniors to go along and play golf - everyone is made to feel so welcome.

Sue, who has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for many years, has also taken up the game so she can go and play with her son.

“I don’t find it easy but have played a few holes with Joe and what I like is that you can play even if you are not particularly young or fit because you can go at own pace, which suits me.

"When you go to Enmore there are people all shapes sizes and ages and nobody makes any comment - everybody has been really encouraging and helpful.

She added: “Even if I just go down with Joe and sit and have a coffee while he is practising, there is always somebody to chat to, so I enjoy it just as much as he does.”