Not only are the Championships to be played for. There will be a team of boys and girls going to the Midland Schools to try for those individual and team titles and the opportunity to go onto the England Schools Championship where the best scores will be rewarded with England Caps, bar far the most significant amateur honour on the CV of players on the European Tour. Sam Foster earned his cap last year by tying for the England School Boy title (losing on a countback), our Boys team were Runners up for the Midland Team title and our Girls bought back the trophy.

We have had some significant success in the Schools Championships and more can be expected this year with the Midland Championships to be held in Leicestershire in early June, just after the Midland Boys 10 Counties Qualifying. Those who go on will have mastered what is a long and tough golf course at Henley, with a number of long par fours on the front nine and some very good par fives where birdies are not assured at all. Spring can be wet in which case scores will be higher. If its drier (and firmer) then the par of 73 may be beaten but not by much.

The Schools will be the first counting event for the 2004 Order of Merit and guests will be able to pick up their first points of the year as well as the competitors for the Cups. Juniors will be able to enter (AND PAY) for this Championship online from early February, when they can also register for the JoM itself. Registration is simple - just coming to this site and applying for a unique number to which a Junior adds a password. Once you have registered, it must be confirmed by your club - your Secretary or maybe your Junior Organiser.

This will also be the first counting event for the 2004 Warwickshire Girls JoM.