Practice makes perfect for Liam

DRIVING AMBITION... Liam Loughlin-Wright clinched victory in the Lancashire Under-15s Schools’ Championship. PICTURE by ANTHONY MILLER

GOLF: DEDICATED Liam Loughlin-Wright is the latest youngster to put Stamford Golf Club in lights.


The 14-year landed the Lancashire Under-15s Schools’ Championship at Pike Fold with a gross 74, nett 63.



Liam is in good company as European Tour members Nick Dougherty and Tommy Fleetwood also clinched the coveted title.



And much closer to home Andy Bent, the leading player at Stamford, won the competition more than two decades ago.



Liam’s victory has earned him a place in the Under-16s English Schools’ Golf Association Champions at Bolton Old Links on July 17-18.



Mum Kelly said: “He only started playing golf two years ago when his dad, David, took him to the course.



“He loved it and now he’s at Stamford most nights and every weekend.



“Even the winter months don’t put him off and he’ll play 36 holes when he can.”



A pupil at West Hill High in Stalybridge, Liam is one of 40 junior members at the club.



Set up by professional Mark Smith four years ago, the section has gone from strenght-to-strength.



As well as Liam’s success, 10-year-old Archie Palmer won the Crompton and Royton junior open, from Stamford club-mate William Corless.



Smith said: “The juniors are really clicking together and it’s good to see.



“I remember the very first match they played. It was against Dukinfield, who were an established team, and I think they only lost 8-6.



“They are a happy band and are always keen to improve. They can’t be faulted for the hours of practice they put in.”