Willow Valley Golf's youngsters battled bravely in tough conditions representing England, but despite a sterling effort they had to settle for third place behind winners Ireland in the Home Nations Junior Championship at La Manga.
However, the Yorkshire teenagers were not to leave Spain empty handed, with Tom Brancker and Tom Pinder, who both finished the tournament unbeaten, scooping the Golf Foundation Award and Sir Steve Redgrave Trophy respectively for their excellent individual performances.
Brancker, Pinder, Tom Calvert, captain Lewis Howell, George Branch and Ally Butters had qualified to represent their country in the event last year after the Brighouse-based club became the first side from Yorkshire to win the English Inter-Club Golf Championship.
Willow Valley Golf's success in October thrilled the local community and the team, who were kitted out for the major event in Spain by the club as well as local clothing companies Stromberg and Glenbrae, had an enthusiastic contingent of supporters cheering them on at the prestigious La Manga course.
Starting the handicap tournament as underdogs, Calvert (1pt) and Pinder (1) defied the blustery conditions on the opening day against Ireland to win their matches to help England halve the curtain-raiser with the eventual champions.
England went into the second day against Wales knowing only victory would do to keep their title hopes alive after their opponents had beaten Scotland in their opener. However, despite fine rounds by Butters (1) and Brancker (1), the Welsh took the match 3.5 - 2.5.
The poor conditions returned with a vengeance on the final day against Scotland, but the cold and gales failed to dampen the spirit of the Willow Valley lads and victories for Branch (1), the unbeaten Butters (1), Brancker (1) and Pinder (1) earned a deserved 4.5 - 1.5 consolation win and helped England pip the Scots for third place behind Ireland and Wales.
Willow Valley Golf's junior organiser Chris Nuttall said: "It was an amazing week and fantastic achievements by Tom Brancker and Tom Pinder to win awards. All the boys represented their club and country superbly and their conduct was second to none. Everyone at Willow Valley Golf is proud of them."
The club, which is situated near Huddersfield, boasts three fine courses in Willow Valley, Pine Valley and Fountain Ridge - built to exacting U.S.G.A standards - and its dedicated team of P.G.A. professionals can cater for all ages and standards.
Playing facilities include a 24 bay all weather driving range, a three-hole floodlit Academy Course and practice putting areas. After a challenging day on the fairways, the club's improved spacious changing area, bar and restaurant can help round off the perfect golfing day. The club also stages corporate events and society days.
Further information, individual scoring and full results can be found on the official Junior Team Golf website.
Above Photo: England (Willow Valley Golf) squad in Spain: L-R - Allan Cranston, Tom Pinder, Tom Brancker, Lewis Howell, Chris Nuttall, Ally Butters, Tom Calvert and George Branch.
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