Leighton Buzzard’s most successful young golfer has been installed as Captain of the Junior Section of the Plantation Road club.

Double-club and English Schools team champion Ed Stephenson, a 17-year-old former Vandyke student, has succeeded Andreas Valentine, with Olivia Campbell, daughter of club professional Maurice, his Vice Captain for 2020.

Ed took over at a presentation of prizes for 2019 winners attended by Club President Brian Carter, Captain Robbie John, Ladies Captain Christine Rimmer and husband Ian, Captain of the Senior Section in what was a special evening for the Stephenson family.

While Ed collected the Brian Valentine Cup, Junior club championship trophy, Fred Wood Eclectic bowl and Larry Blair trophy, brother George was Junior handicap champion and won the Millennium foursomes Shield, June Medal and Order of Merit.

Incoming Junior Captain Olivia was named the most promising girl and the Junior club person of the year after winning the Fred Wood Cup and July medal while Max Brunker was named the most improved boy after winning the  April medal and finishing runner-up in the nine-hole summer stableford series.

Henry Wooster, who won the Millennium foursomes Shield partnering George also won the May Medal, while Josh Lowe was named the most promising boy and Sommer Chan the most improved girl.

Says Club junior organiser, former Captain Adrian Stephenson: “We have a great group of junior players at Leighton, playing golf at all levels and receiving the best coaching available in the region.  We currently have vacancies for more juniors who wish to try their hand at the sport and learn skills that will last them a lifetime.”

Val Brown, Jill McDougall and Jenny Stafford teamed up to win Leighton Ladies Christmas competition with 70 points, three points clear of runners-up Niki Clark, Kate Wright and Jane Tizzard.

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact either Kate or Damian on 01525 244800 / 244802.