Stockwood produces another star
With two tournament wins, three hole-in-ones and five years experience under his belt already, the future is looking bright for eight year old golfer, Ben Loveard.
The talented youngster began playing when he was just three years old, taking lessons at Stockwood Park Golf Centre. Ben sharpened his skills by attending the Stockwood Stars of the Future development programme, a course run by Active Luton for young children which helps them to develop their technique and get their first experiences of competitive golf.
Running each year from April to September, the course is available to boys and girls between the ages of 6-14 years. A professional golfer, Matt Green, runs the course, helping the children to hone their skills.
With Matt’s help, Ben went on to win last year’s Stars of the Future tournament. In addition, Ben also won at Hinksey Heights in last year’s national British Junior Golf Tour and is the youngest member of the Bedfordshire County Academy Programme. Other winners of the Stockwood Stars of the Future tournament have all been extremely successful too, with all three previous victors now representing Bedfordshire.
Speaking about Ben’s development, Matt said: “I have been coaching Ben since he first began playing golf at Stockwood aged just three years old and it was clear from the start that he had a natural and instinctive talent for the game. “Over the last few years we have worked on ensuring that Ben has the best fundamentals possible to allow him to keep developing as a golfer whilst making sure that his interest is maintained in the sport by creating a fun environment. “The success that he is now achieving is testament to his hard work and an endorsement of the commitment to coaching and development of junior golf we have here at Stockwood Park. I look forward to working with Ben and our other budding stars over the coming years and watching them all realise their potential.”
Helen Barnett, Chief Executive at Active Luton, said: “The Stockwood Stars of the Future course is a really great way of introducing children to golf. “The course helps to teach the basics of the game and helps youngsters develop great technique from an early age. It’s also a perfect way for them to meet new people and begin enjoying competitive golf. “I’d really encourage anyone whose children are interested in the sport to get in touch and find out more.”
For more information, or if you would like to enrol your child onto this year’s programme, check out the Stars of the Future link
