National success again for Royal North Devon Juniors

Royal North Devon has once again achieved success at the national final of one of England’s largest golfing initiatives, the National Skills Challenge.
More than 100 clubs participate over three separate challenges spread through spring, summer and autumn, which test junior golfers of all ages in five disciplines from putting and bunker play right through to long game.
The 20 children with the highest scores in their age groups qualify for the final at Woodhall Spa. Remarkably, this year six of the 20 finalists from all over England, were made up of Royal North Devon Juniors – Nick Keen, Jimmy Mullen, Ollie Tanton, Kiaran Tanton, Michael Jones and Michael Townshend.
Mullen, who plays off 4.9, won the under 14 category to become a national champion for the second year in a row.
The juniors and their parents were treated to a full day at England Golf headquarters at Woodhall Spa where the England teams prepare and are coached.
Head pro Iain Parker with assistants Mike Wilson and Dan Wood encourage junior development and more than 60 children from 5-15 regularly attend weekend coaching sessions.
He said: “Some of the juniors have already broken into the county junior set up. Maybe one or two of our RND juniors can make it back here one day as part of a future England Squad.”