Following three tremendously successful years and having been rolled out across four counties, Golf Factor 2012 is launching again this month in association with the Chris Gill Junior Golf Foundation.
Golf Factor is the talent search for junior golfers which has become a well supported and established. Winners and runners up receive a fantastic package of golf support including equipment and swing coaching provided by sponsors Direct Golf UK and John Letters Golf Academy as well as being invited to attend a behind-the-scenes look at two of the best golf tournaments in the world – The Open and the PGA Championship at Wentworth; with the winners rubbing shoulders with none other than Rory McIlroy!
To become a winner, junior golfers must progress through four stages and have every aspect of their games tested by a panel of expert judges, which last year included Challenge Tour professional Chris Hanson and Award-winning Junior Coach of the year, John Letters Academy Director Tom Denby.
For young children, or children new to the game, “Future Stars” runs parallel to the Golf Factor auditions. James Beattie of Golf Factor, commented: “We work in schools every day to introduce the game to children so we came up with a skills test for new players to encourage entries from beginners to experience a golf factor event.”
All young people can enter Golf Factor; you do not need a handicap or to be a club member. Players must hit a variety of shots in front of a panel of expert judges whom score the candidates performance. Successful applicants progress through to a “boot camp” which is a more intensive set of skills tests and both the regional and grand finals are played on a golf course.
Last year organisers introduced a Champion of Champions Event to determine the very best player from the regional heats and produced a worthy Champion in 14 year-old John Paul Ralph from Merseyside. John Paul, said: “Golf Factor is the best thing I have ever done and the support I have received since winning the final has really improved my game. It’s great fun and a good test of your golf under a little bit of pressure!”
To register for the first auditions (held regionally in West Yorkshire, Merseyside, and West Midlands East Anglia) go to: www.johnletters.com/golf_factor or pick up a leaflet in Direct Golf UK stores or you can email golffactor@johnletters.com for an application form.
Event Details: Stage One: 16th/17th Jun, Stage Two: 30th June, Regional Final: 1st July, National Final 15th September.