Cranleigh Golf & Country Club's junior golf team has blazed back to competitive action after more than a decade away.
After several years of inactivity because of a lack of junior golfers, the quartet of keen youngsters from the Surrey club got their first taste of battle against neighbours Bramley and came away with a creditable draw.
The team members, who all attend local schools Glebelands School, Cranleigh Primary School and Cranleigh Preparatory School, included junior captain Leo Wilson (14), 13-year-old James Carlisle and two 10-year-olds - James Marriott and Josh Davies, who then turned in a gutsy display to come away from the fixture unbeaten.
With their handicaps ranging from 28 to 17, it bodes well for future fixtures as the club develops a more extensive junior schedule and continues to attract more youngsters with a Junior Academy.
Rita Elliott, junior organiser, said: "Back in the 1990s, we had a group of juniors who did very well and some of them went on to turn professional. Unfortunately, there were no other youngsters at the time to follow on as the next crop of junior golfers and the section faltered.
"This group we have now is so enthusiastic and we are pushing them as much as we can. We have 19 junior golfers with handicaps, which is great progress considering we only had three 18 months ago.
"Hopefully, we will get a few more interested, especially with the new Academy and we are in the process of organising more matches.
"But it's great to have a team representing the club again and it's a positive sign for the future of the club."
Cranleigh head professional Karl Morgan said: "There's nothing quite like competitive golf and these lads will really see the benefits in their game with the more matches they play. They all have real talent and I'm sure we will see their handicaps coming down very quickly as they gain some valuable experience.
"But they are all great ambassadors for the club and it's fantastic to have our junior team again. Hopefully, we will see a few more get involved and coming along to the club. They are always welcome."
Aided by a sponsorship with Roger Coupe Land & New Homes, thanks to the generosity of local businessman Roger Coupe, the young golfers also shone in new uniforms.
The Junior Academy includes a course of lessons during term time, costing just £7.50 per week and a junior membership is just £22 per month.
There is also an Academy membership available to adults, costing just £45 per month. This includes seven-day access to the course, a monthly lesson with the resident PGA professional, complimentary range tokens, an assigned full member ‘buddy', rules clinics and several other benefits.
Aside from the golf and the newly-refurbished driving range, the country club has seen more than £100,000 worth of investment in recent months with gym and spa facilities, a swimming pool and tennis courts, while the converted barn clubhouse offers a broad menu and a memorable dining experience.
For further information, visit www.cranleighcountryclub.co.uk or telephone 01483 267426.