David Morgan spoke of the success of the web site and the introduction of the GSA (Golf SportsSites Access) system which he can demonstrate to any club or Junior Organiser in the next few weeks. I any club wants help with using the system or the Junior Order of Merit they can contact David via e-mail (editor@warksgolf.co.uk ).

Next to talk to the assembled representatives from many of the Warwickshire Union clubs, together with the Warwickshire Ladies Captain and some of her committee, was Gareth Jenkins from the Golf Foundation.

Gareth has spent the last year, since he was introduced at last year’s delegates meeting, building a network of contacts in the region – 17 Sports Colleges, 16 Secondary schools and 120 Primary Schools. Gareth then detailed how he is now writing plans within the structures he has developed and is now working to integrate new golfers into Warwickshire Golf Clubs.

Next to speak was David Webber, replacing an unfortunately unwell Richard Brown. It was a thorough run through of all that the EGU and ELGA are doing to promote the game, notably with the significant increase in funding from Sport England as Golf is now recognised as one of the Top 10 sports in the County.

The top rated participant sports are those such as Football , Martial Arts and Swimming where junior participants are coached throughout their involvement in sessions of each sport. It’s a facet of keeping Junior interest which both Organisations are very aware of.

David mentioned the information to be found on each organisations web site, including a substantial back-up of advice and help for Junior Organisers and management. The practical advice on Child Protection is now being given through web site features, handbooks and training days. One particular question from the floor was of note – that of Juniors playing in competitions with Adult members.

Webber provided the following comment – because of the nature of the sport being played in open countryside often with access through or close to a course from bridal paths or footpaths (not in an enclosed court or area) the game is unique. The advice from the EGU is to hold a pre-season meeting for Juniors and Parents to explain the nature of the game, to allay any concerns of parents who have no knowledge of the game.

Webber’s participation as replacement for Richard Brown was very much appreciated – David had started his day in Norwich, then been at a lunch meeting in Bristol and was retuirning home via Warwickshire late in the evening. His Australian humour was also evident.

The next speaker was Warwickshire’ Performance Coach Stuart Harris. Stuart has transferred his motivational and mental coaching from top level business to help both teams and individuals at Senior and Junior Level. Notable comment in a fun and informative 15 minute speech included –

‘The issue is never the issue’ and that 30% of all placebos actually work. Stuart also revealed some of his ‘trade secrets’, notably the six stages of developing a very good mental edge to go with a good swing – for your information they are

Diagnosis, Gaining Leverage, Creating an Alternative, Conditioning it, Testing it and finally creating and Environment.

Finally Dick Ferry gave those assembled some of the results from the last two surveys of Warwickshire Clubs, the responses from 24 of the 52 clubs. This work had found that from those surveyed there are 950 Boys and 94 Girls playing and that 644 of those have handicaps. There were over 200 vacancies though.

Two clubs have entrance fees although the effect of these can be just as positive as having low priced annual subscriptions. The payment of a joining fee can also act as a commitment factor for a Junior and their parents, to the game of golf.

Brian Fish made his final report on the success of the County Squads. He made reference to the three very high standard players who have graduated to Senior level but that there remained 7 players from the 10 regulars for 2004 and that the new Captain of the Boys team would be Andrew Sullivan (Purley Chase). Andrew had been a very good U16s Captain and that position would now go the U15s Champion Jack Sant, who was present at the meeting.

Brian said that his report was to be exactly the same as for 2003 – with Warwickshire winning the same matches and the same titles (The Midland Title) – with third place in the County Championship Qualifier also the same as in 2003, the one step away from making both years into the very best.

In conclusion, Warwickshire Union President Jim Dean paid the Counties thanks to Brian for all his hard work and introduced the new Chairman of Junior Golf John Jewsbury.