Le Huray wants end to Jersey domination

A MONTH short of talking up the reins as Guernsey Junior Golf Club president, Colin 'Bill' Le Huray has spoken about his serious concerns over junior golf development. Le Huray, who succeeds Chris Thompson from the turn of the year, says a development officer is an urgent necessity as is the whole approach to bringing young players through.

'Guernsey golf is already 10 years behind Jersey,' said Le Huray.

'If we don't encourage the best junior and senior players who want to do it, we are going to be in a real mess in five years' time,' he added.

Le Huray said it hurt him to see the island junior side lose again to Jersey in August, albeit narrowly, coming as it did just before another heavy defeat in the main match.

'I'm looking forward to the challenge of working with anyone who is willing to take golf forward.

'I want to see Guernsey golf back on a par with Jersey.'

Le Huray, among others, says there needs to be a change of attitude among the island's top players if they are to bridge the widening gap with the Caesareans.

He does not disagree with the sentiment put forward by one anonymous Royal Guernsey team player, to the effect that golf has become more of a pastime for the best as opposed to a sport.

'The kids and senior golfers have to want do to it. But if they don't have the commitment the money is going to go to waste.'

As the average age of Guernsey's senior golf team continues to climb by the year - several are past 40 - few juniors are coming through to force them out, a point sadly accepted by Mick Marley.

A regular in the island side for two decades and as fiercely competitive a player as anyone on the course, Marley says he and his contemporaries had had better days.

'Most of us in the island team are suffering a bit of burnout and it would be good if a few of the youngsters came along to push us out.

'But nobody seems to be making the move up to a one or two handicap.'

Marley welcomes news of a potential development officer appointment.

'It's a good idea. A lot of other sports appear to have them. All the other sports seem to be taking the golfers.'

Marley admits he does not play nearly enough.

'I'm competitive but I don't practise. I've got no time to. I just turn up for competitions.'

* CHRIS THOMPSON, the current president of the GJGC, was unavailable yesterday.