Harrogate Golf Club has a long tradition of junior golf and nurturing talented youngsters. The first Junior member was elected in 1897, and 76 years later in 1973, a Junior Section was founded. Over the years the Junior Section has grown both in reputation and numbers; a reflection on the positive attitude of the Club in developing Junior golfers. Currently the Junior Section has approximately 70 members, including Nikki Dunn , a regular member of the England Girls U16 squad.

Many full members of the Club have derived great benefit from their time they spent as Junior members. At any given time, the list of Category 1 handicap members can be guaranteed to have a high proportion of those who started out as Junior members. Over the years many Junior members have also moved into the professional ranks, working in local clubs and ranges and some progressing to tour status. To date our most successful Junior has been Patrick Hall, Junior Captain in 1983.  Hot on his heels is John Parry who at the age of 19 achieved the prestigious title of Yorkshire Amateur Champion.

COACHING and PLAYING STATUS
All Junior Members receive coaching from the Professional Staff as part of their membership. On entering the section every individual is assessed and given a programme in line with the Golf Foundation Merit Award Scheme. Coaching takes place every weekend throughout the season and individual progress is carefully monitored by the Professionals and the Junior Co-ordinator. In addition, the professional Staff issue a ‘Certificate of Competence’ to enable individuals to play on the course. The only restrictions to play are:
All players under 12 must be accompanied by and Adult and no players Under 8 are allowed on the course. All Juniors are advised to notify an adult when they go on the course and when they return.

Juniors are also allowed to use all the practice facilities. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

COMPETITIONS
The Junior Section play over 30 competitions throughout the year and include a mix of medals (strokeplay and scratch) , stablefords and matchplay. There are two categories for Junior members, Division 1 (CONGU and LGU handicaps) and Division 2 (EGU Club handicaps).

The Division 1 category also play for the major trophies (hot link to Junior Trophy Winners 2005)

TEAM
The Junior Team play in the Harrogate and District Union Junior League. Throughout the season the Team (6 players) play nine matches against other clubs in the Union. In addition, there are two team championships, including the Bedale Bowl which the Club have won on five occasions since its inception in 1989.

MEMBERSHIP
Junior membership is offered to boys and girls from aged 8 to 18. There are two categories, Interim (8-11) and Full (12-18). In addition, we have a Tiny Tigers Section (5-7) which is a seasonal coaching programme for beginners.

For information on membership please contact the Secretary, and to view the Juniors Honours Board, click here.