YOUNG golfing stars Walter Hall and Gray Lloyd-Watkins had a brilliant time at the recent Faldo Futures National Final at The Belfry, during British Masters week.

Both Ross Golf Club juniors have come through head professional Tim Hall’s 'School of Golf Academy' and their development has been nothing short of sensational, with Walter producing a spectacular finish to claim runner-up in the 7–8 Boys category.

Nine-year-old Walter and Gray, competing in the 9–10 Girls category, found themselves rubbing shoulders with some of the most promising young golfers in the country.

Around 4,000 youngsters embarked on the journey through local qualifying events which was reduced to some 240, who eventually took to the Belfry course which was specially adapted for their age groups.

Walter was first up for Ross-on-Wye, teeing it up on The Belfry’s PGA National course, and with families watching, he made a steady start, striking some impressive shots as he settled into the occasion.

The young golfer began to find his rhythm and showed exactly why he had earned his place in the national final.

And standing on the final hole, Walter produced a moment to live long in the memory – holing a 25-foot putt for an eagle two to finish in style.

His resulting +1 score secured him runner-up and after all age categories were considered, Walter, now a 21 handicapper, was declared fourth overall for an outstanding achievement.

Later in the day, it was the turn of Gray competing in the fiercely contested 9–10 girls’ category.

The course set-up presented a significant challenge with plenty of water to negotiate, and a +7 finish and 16th place for Gray in such a competitive field was another valuable step.

While the achievements are a credit to Walter and Gray themselves, they also highlight the support around them and the dedication of their PGA coaches Tim Hall, James Dobbs and Zach Galliford.