INAUGURAL INVERNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Balloch pupils being presented with the Hampton Trophy by Neil Hampton, (l-r) Jamie MacKintosh, Reece Haspell, Neil Hampton, Hamish McColm, Lewis Henderson). Image by Rob Eyton-Jones.

clubgolf juniors recently played in the first ever Primary School Golf Championships for Inverness Schools.  The event was held on Thursday 9^th June on the Wee Monster 9 hole course at Loch Ness Golf Course. 

Schools from throughout the city were represented, and the weather stayed fine for the competitors to play this excellent short course which was in very good conditions.

The pupils playing in this first ever inter school golf competition had a team event and an individual competition to play for.  For the School Team event the pupils were playing for the Hampton Trophy which was gifted in memory of George Hampton. 

Neil Hampton, one of George’s three sons and previously, Manager at Fairways, home of Loch Ness Golf Course, explains why Inverness pupils will continue to compete for the Hampton Trophy:

“My father George started playing golf as a very young boy at Burntisland in Fife and during his amateur career reduced his handicap to two.  

“After National Service he returned to the joinery shop that he had been an apprentice in but soon left to become a postie as this allowed him to play more golf. When the shift pattern at the post office was changed to afternoons the reduction in playing time didn’t go down well and it was at this point he took up the offer to become Professional and Greenkeeper at Burntisland GC.

“From here he moved to Stornoway and from then to Fortrose and Rosemarkie, with his final position being Professional only at Pitlochry Golf Club in Perthshire. Throughout his career as a professional he was very keen on coaching, especially juniors, and there are many golfers in the Highlands who have my father to thank for bringing them into the game.

“He was always keen to know how the young golfers got on and many came back to see him later in life as he had made such lasting impression on them. His teaching style focussed on getting the basics right and then ensuring the swing had rhythm, balance and timing. He would put this across in an easily understood manner that was light hearted and more often than not included a demonstration of his smooth swing. 

“It gives the family great pleasure to present a trophy in his name for junior golfers as he was happiest coaching them and watching them improve. We hope to carry on with our involvement over the coming years and to ensure that the competition grows in name and stature.”

Neil presented the trophy to the winning school, Balloch.  In second place was Lochardil and Muirtown took third place. The individual prize-winners were:

1^st, with a score of 40 - Hamish McColm (Balloch)

2^nd, with a score of 44 - Jack Leil (Lochardil)

3^rd, with a score of 47 (on countback) – Ewan Neil (Lochardil)

The event was run by Gary Morris, Highland Youth Sporting Coordinator, who thanked Fairways for the use of their course, and their Junior Convenor, Richard Treasurer for his help in organising the event.

Rob Eyton-Jones

clubgolf Media Manager

t:  07775 746981

e:  rob@eyton-jones.co.uk

Official clubgolf website:  www.clubgolfscotland.com