LA MOYE GOLF CLUB is set to host the first junior inter-insular in two years this weekend.
In a bid to keep the fixture competitive, teams of eight will do battle, in contrast to the traditional ten.
The decision was made pre-pandemic, when Guernsey’s junior section was struggling for numbers and in decline. So much so that the match was played off handicap for the first and only time, before reverting back to scratch for 2022.
The Sarnians came out on top in 2019 and have gone from strength to strength since.
They have enjoyed a remarkable revival of their junior section, with no fewer than 11 golfers part of county squads.
Jersey team captain Derek De La Haye said: ‘What Guernsey have done to turn around their junior section is unbelievable.
‘It has certainly inspired us to look at what we can be doing better and I think we are getting closer.
‘On top of that, we have two girls in the team, who are both incredible players. Guernsey are also expected to have a girl in their team and, for the first time ever, that will make it three out of the 16 taking part. I think it’s huge for the future of girls in our sport. We still don’t have many playing, but the ones that are have been some of our strongest players.
‘We are really looking forward to being at home. The whole team are used to playing La Moye in junior opens, even if their home course is the Royal Jersey.
‘Hopefully there will be plenty of support out for the side, as it can really make the difference.’
Junior Island champion Ryan Hafey makes the side and will relish playing at his home course, while runner-up Nic Lawrenson, of Royal Jersey, is also included.
Anabelle Lucas-Villar and Iman Hamid-Wilkinson are the only players to make two inter-insular squads in 2022, having both have been picked for Jersey’s ladies’ team.
Action gets under way on Saturday, with both fourball and foursome matches in the morning and afternoon respectively, before the deciding Sunday singles.
