Tower and Town, August 2015

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Playing Golf

I have always loved sport and have played a wide variety of team and individual games, both at school and at local sports club. However, my current passion is definitely golf.

For me, being able to fizz that little ball far into the distance is a great alternative to staying indoors staring at a screen. Golf has provided me with the opportunity to meet people of all ages whilst being able to enjoy the delights of Wiltshire's beautiful countryside.

I got hooked four years ago after playing pitch and putt with my Dad and brother during the school holidays. Currently I am a member at Marlborough Golf Club which, being so close to the town centre, means that it is very easy to get to and there is a great team of people who look after the pro shop and clubhouse.

Golf has helped me to mature as an individual by providing lots of opportunities to develop my social skills whilst respecting the game's etiquette and standards of behaviour. I definitely think much more about my personal appearance as a result of playing golf; you have got to look and think smart as well as play smart.

If I'm honest I do get a bit of stick from some of my friends about playing golf, which seems rather harsh as it is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages. I would encourage anyone giving golf a try: just get a bucket of balls at the driving range, buy a cheap set of clubs and to then go out on the course and try nine holes.

During the school holidays I am hoping to play most days at the Club as well as taking part in a number of competitions at other courses around Wiltshire. I recently achieved the qualifying standard for the Wentworth Junior Open, so I am really looking forward to playing there.

I am very lucky to share my love for the game with my younger brother, Charlie. He managed to get a hole in one on the 17th at Ogbourne when he was 12. Keen not to be outdone, I aced the same hole three months later! Whilst it is great to be able to talk about the game and swap ideas at home, all of that stops when we step onto the first tee. Whether we are playing for a coke or something more substantial, brotherly love gets put aside for a few hours. But it is a rivalry that helps us both and I am sure that our shared passion for the game will carry on for many years to come.

James Webb (17)