Burghley Park and Belton Woods Golf Clubs compete in the DG Challenge Cup
Junior golfers from Burghley Park and Belton Woods have been battling it out all season to qualify and represent their team in the DG Challenge Cup.
Hosted and sponsored by Darren Game and parents Pat and David Game at Burghley Park, this unique tournament saw 24 young golfers compete in a testing matchplay combination of foursomes and singles over two days.
It was created to give the juniors an experience that lasts longer than the match itself. The aim is to support young people to become better people through golf.
Throughout the season, the juniors compete regularly at home to gain points to be selected for their team and go on to compete in the DG Challenge Trophy final.
With juniors aged 6-18, six of the more experienced members in each team were paired with six less experienced team-mates during Saturday’s matches.
The older players gain valuable mentoring experience, while the younger ones get an opportunity to play in a testing match format.
On Sunday, 12 pairs set off over nine holes in the singles matches on a course which was a credit to Burghley Park.
Supported by parents and club members around the course, each game was hard fought, often coming down to the last hole.
As each pair putted their last shot on the ninth hole, they then joined the growing crowd to support their teams as they came in.
This year, it was Burghley Park Juniors who came out on top, winning the foursomes and singles to take home the coveted DG Challenge Trophy.
Veteran Burghley Park members Brian and Molly Plowright, who between them have clocked up 113 years of membership at the club, handed the trophy to Burghley captain, Leo Christoudias, on Sunday night at the presentation supper on the eve of Brian's 89th birthday.
PGA Golf Professional and Burghley Park junior coach Darren Game said: "Competing for selection encourages dedication, commitment and hard work.
"Taking part in the final gives them exposure to real world challenges that will help build them into resilient young adults and beyond.
"As I watched them all shake hands on the last green whether they’ve won, lost or drawn, I was proud of each and every one of them.
“I’m excited for their future."
Next year’s event will be held at Belton Woods.
Burghley Park team: Leo Christoudias, William Rudkin, William Rees, Emilia Carter, James MacKenzie, Michael McHugh, Lila Bettles, Darcey Bettles, Eshan Matharu, Kian Matharu, Chloe Tattersall, Oscar Tattersall.
