IT was a Cook's special that decorated the inaugural York Golf Range juniors tournament.

Chris Cook hit a shot level with the eighth green to win the flag competition in the event attended by 26 boys and girls aged between six and 13, who are all taking part in the Young Masters programme at YGR. Just trailing Cook was James Scott, who was a mere four yards adrift of the winner.

The debut event was staged at the Eagles course just outside Howden, near Goole, and was organised by Andrew Smith, the Professional Golfers' Association professional at YGR.

He explained: "We are teaching lots of children on the Young Masters course at the range. After the tuition had finished many of these youngsters are keen to get on a course but have no idea where to start.

"The idea was that by holding competitions at local courses it would help involve more of the kids and keep them interested in the sport while also taking away any fears they may have about playing their first round of golf."

Several of the youngsters had attended a recent national YMG event at Manchester and Thomas Matthews from York had done exceptionally well, claiming second place. The YGR competition adopted the same rules and format of this national event with the cost kept to a minimum.

Winner Cook became the holder, until the next tournament, of an ancient wooden golf club, which will be mounted with a plaque at YGR, which is situated at the Greystones farm of Graham Chapman at Towthorpe, Strensall.

Updated: 10:56 Saturday, October 25, 2003