This move has paid great dividends for Marcus, with him reducing his handicap by eight shots over the 12-month period and winning the 2010 club junior championship last week.

Marcus played steady golf over the 36-hole championship to collect the Steve South Memorial trophy as the top junior player from sponsor, Helen South.

Marcus’s memorable moments of the championship happened at the par three, eighth hole where he sliced his tee shot out onto the ninth fairway, then hit a lob wedge over trees and onto the green, before nailing the putt for par.

The small but eager field of juniors thoroughly enjoyed their first experience at playing in a junior championship and thankfully the recent hot weather had disappeared.

In the B grade juniors, young Riley Semovic was elated at beating his older brother over their 18-hole tussle.

At just nine years old, Riley is one young golfer to watch as a future star of the game. Some of his drives off the tee already travel over 160 metres and his smile is just as wide.

Runner-up in A grade and also earning the title of junior girl champion was Caillin Lakin, with Alex Burt finishing in third position.

Tully Semovic was second in B grade followed closely by Lauren Smith.

At the presentation of trophies, club president, Stephen Middleton welcomed Helen South who has been sponsoring the junior championship for 15 years and acknowledged her support of the junior development program.

He congratulated the juniors on their achievements and sincerely thanked the club professional, Roger Stephens for the free coaching time he provides to the youngsters as they strive to emulate his prowess on the golf course.

Stephen also noted the supporting role of Jeff Trimmer who helps to teach the juniors in his spare time and he thanked general manager, Alan Tarry who acts as the club junior co-ordinator and assistant coach.

All of the juniors were delighted to collect a prize in the championship and quickly went over to the pro shop to trade in their vouchers for more golf equipment.