EGU Encourage Coaching for Top Players

Experienced Internationals and aspiring youngsters were at Woodhall Spa this week when England's leading amateurs attended a four-day coaching session at the National Golf Centre.

There are 22 in England's senior squad, six of whom are at university in the United States - Jamie Elson, Simon Robinson, Philip Rowe, David Ryles, David Skinns and Oliver Wilson.

Joining them were David Porter and Daniel Wardrop, both 18, along with Gary Wolstenholme, at 41 still a crucial part of the set-up having played almost 140 matches for his country.

In contrast, Stephen East, 43, has never won an England cap. However, the British and English mid-amateur champion from Yorkshire is playing some of the best golf of his career.

Matthew Stanford, 32, an ex-policeman and former professional, is in contention for an England place after an eight-year gap. A tough schedule includes sessions on education, physiological development, diet, mental preparation, etiquette and fitness.

The high-class coaching programmes at the National Golf Centre have proved highly successful this year. England have won a four-nation international in Spain and Wolstenholme and Graeme Clark were victorious in Venezuela winning the Simon Bolivar Cup. England are also the Home International champions and no less than five Englishmen were in the successful Walker Cup team who beat the Americans in Sea Island.