Tyrone Constitution - Sports - Twelve-year-old Omagh club member shows his class in Spain

Sports

Twelve-year-old Omagh club member shows his class in Spain

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Twelve-year-old Omagh club member shows his class in Spain thumbnail Twelve year-old Omagh Golf Club golfer, Michael Bowes, who finished second in the Junior Spanish Open.

ON the morning of Friday, January 27, 12-year-old Omagh Golf Club member, Michael Bowes, along with his father, Kevin, teed off in his first golfing tournament on the sunny coast of the south of Spain to compete in the Graham Moore under-19 Spanish Open.
Set up in 1990, Graham Moore International Junior Golf Academies, although based in the north-west of England are in operation all over the world.
Michael and his dad arrived at Malaga airport with golf clubs in tow, and were swiftly escorted to the La Cala Golf Resort. It was a bit like a home from home with the cold rain and lightning to greet them, which put a short stop to Michael's practice round due to the weather.
Over the following two days, Michael competed in the under-13 category, finishing second, but an astounding 12th place overall in a field of competitors from around the globe, including USA and Europe.
Two rounds of golf playing 36 holes on one of the three championship courses at La Cala resulted in a hard struggle, yet thrilling finish for Michael.
He described the course as very hilly and hard, but a fantastic learning experience. "I met new friends with one thing in common and that is golf," he beamed.
Qualifies
As a result of Michael's success, he received a plaque and also qualifies for the World Junior Golf tournament to be held in Los Angeles in July this year.
The course, Campo Asia, formerly the South Course, is pretty spectacular with plenty of challenging holes along the way.
Water guards both greens at the third and the 14th and in terms of a test of golf course strategy, the 18th couldn't be much better. This is an exciting course which puts a premium on the approach shots.
When asked what he learned from the whole experience, Michael said: "Not to take risks, preparation and practice. Due to the weather we were unable to complete the practice round, so I went out the next morning in the tournament unaware of what to expect."
However, before leaving our shores, another young professional, Nial Kearns, who came up through the Omagh club's junior ranks, was able to give Michael good sound advice.
Nial, who turned professional last year, had played on the same course a number of times before, during his amateur years and was able to advise Michael on the different approach shots around the greens and what club is best to use compared to his home course at Omagh. This advice certainly paid off.
Michael has now signed up to compete in four tournaments in England this year - a lot closer to home!
The junior convenor for Omagh Golf Club, Susan Anderson, said that Michael's achievement is truly great inspiration for the junior members and what can be achieved through practice and dedication, something which Michael has in abundance.
Talent highlighted
Michael's talent had been highlighted in the spring last year by one of the club's coaching staff, whilst taking part in the tri-golf primary schools' programme, which the club, along with a number of primary schools in the Omagh area, have signed up to. He was encouraged to come and join the junior section. Initially provided with a handicap of 28 this was reduced dramatically to 15 by the end of the season.
The junior golfing calendar commences this week with the Junior Spring League; details are on the club's Facebook page and posted in the club. Preparations have already started for the junior section when they travel to Bundoran on Friday, February 17, to defend their title of the BCD Trophy. A good turnout is expected.
Also, the Fred Daly and Ronan Rafferty panels will shortly be decided and the training programme which will incorporate sessions at the Nick Faldo Academy at the Lough Erne Resort is in planning.
An exciting year lies ahead for the 'young guns'.
For information about the junior section, contact Susan Anderson on 07801738517 or Paddy McDonagh on 07739212858. Junior fees remain at £60 with weekly tuition provided by the junior coaching team which will commence at the first week in April, Easter time.