A GLIMPSE of a shining future was afforded to the latest batch of golfing hopefuls.

The newest intake of talented youngsters bidding to become members of the Yorkshire boys team attended a skills-test training session under county and national coach Steve Robinson at Sandburn Hall Golf Club, where he runs his golf academy.

And as an unexpected bonus, the opening session - aimed at pinpointing some of the county's most promising players - was joined by a special guest.

Nick Marsh, who just days earlier had won the English Amateur Championship to put him third in the European amateur rankings for men, dropped in to provide an extra incentive to the crop of youngsters aiming to make their mark on representative golf.

The 19-year-old Marsh, who plays out of the Huddersfield GC, is a former member of the Yorkshire boys' ranks and was first coached just three years ago by a delighted Robinson.

After revelling in Marsh's victory - he beat Scott Gregory 2 and 1 in a see-sawing final at Saunton GC - Robinson, who is also the coach of the national women's amateur team, said: "Nick agreed to come and talk to the lads fresh from his win.

"It was great for those youngsters who had come along to Sandburn to see somebody who has been through the development process, to know that Mick came from the exact same set-up which they are now setting out on.

"He started where they have been playing here at Sandburn and he his now a national champion.

"He has shown what can be achieved and that's a great incentive for these youngsters."

 

A PERFECT five from five has pushed York Union to the summit of golf's IDU league table.

York had a resounding 28-8 win over Harrogate & District at Romanby GC, while rivals Sheffield could only manage a half with Bradford at Baildon.

Although York and Sheffield have identical aggregates for games played, the five wins for York moves them to the top by one point.

A win at Fulford against Sheffield, on August 17, will confirm the title for York for only the third time since the IDU league was formed and their first for seven years.