DURHAM’S junior golf order of merit is up and running again with young players from across the region chasing a place in the grand final.

Last year more than 120 boys and girls played more than 800 rounds of golf in the Mizuno Race 2 Rockliffe.

The first of 11 qualifying events started on Monday in the Durham County Junior Golf Society Spring Meeting and will see golfers claim points in the hope of appearing at the grand final at Rockliffe Hall on October 18.

It is its fifth year and is proving an ideal environment in which young golfers develop their skills by playing competitively against those of a similar ability on a variety of courses.

Last year saw Jessica Hall (Bishop Auckland GC) was crowned champion after beating Lily Downs (Eaglescliffe) in an exciting three-hole play-off to win the £500 Mizuno voucher. Matthew Watson (Beamish Park GC) won the nett prize.

The Race 2 Rockliffe order of merit is free to enter and open to any club member in County Durham with a CONGU Handicap (max 28 boys/36 girls) aged under 21 on 01.01.14.

Phil Graham, county development officer for the Durham County Golf Partnership, said: “We are delighted with the way the Race 2 Rockliffe continues to develop as one of the country’s premier order of merit competitions for juniors.

“Competing on different courses against players of a similar ability is a great way for the young players to develop their golfing skills and test themselves against their peers.”

The Durham CGP are looking for further sponsors to support the cost of scoreboards, trophies and banners at the final. So if any local businesses are keen then contact Phil at p.graham@englandgolf.org

The qualifying events are: April 6 - Seaton Carew GC; May 4 – Darlington; May 25 – Billingham; May 27 - Ramside Hall; July 5 -Brancepeth Castle; July 20 - Houghton Le Spring; August 4 - South Moor; August 10 - Boldon GC; August 14 - Bishop Auckland; August 17 - Beamish Park; August 31 - Durham City; October 18 - Grand Final, Rockliffe Hall.

A VOLUNTEER is to spearhead a major project aimed at developing young golfing talent in County Durham.

Mike Greener has taken up the post of talent pathway co-ordinator for the newly-formed County Junior Coaching Committee, which operates under the banner of the Durham County Golf Partnership.

Greener, who is a level one coach, will be responsible for driving a pathway in Durham for youngsters aged between eight and 18. He is also manager of the England Golf Under-16 girls squad for Yorkshire and has assisted lead coach Craig Dilley as part of the Durham CGP’s County Academy Programme.

Greener said: “Golf is a passion of mine, as is supporting players’ success. This new role allows me to utilise my administrative and management skills and to liaise with the ten Durham county coaches for 2015. I am looking forward to meeting parents, players and coaches across the county throughout 2015.”

SEATON CAREW have restarted their junior coaching golf academy programme for beginners/intermediate.

An impressive turnout for the first one of the year last Saturday means that places have to be booked ahead of this Saturday’s with club pro Clifford Jackson.

Juniors can head for Seaton Carew in casual clothing and trainers and there are also free/cheaper membership options available. Any queries contact Clifford on 01429 890660.