Sidmouth's current Devon County stars Damion Gee and Neil Holland aren't the only ones to have graduated to county level from Sidmouth's Junior Section.

Sidmouth's current Devon County stars Damion Gee and Neil Holland aren't the only ones to have graduated to county level from Sidmouth's Junior Section, and there is currently a group of young players who are making their presence felt well beyond the Sid Valley. James Winchester is a good example of all that is best about junior golf and, following some fine early season form on the local golf circuit, the 17-year- old secured third spot in the prestigious Dawlish Junior Open. In dry, tricky conditions and with his grandfather Ian caddying, the Sidmouth youngster fired a 6 over par gross 75 to achieve an impressive third prize. James was probably always likely to have the potential to succeed, with the incentive of trying to match the high standard set by his father Nigel, and not least his uncle Roger, ex-English Amateur Champion. More recently Sidmouth's Juniors played Libbaton at Tiverton in the second round of the Basil Steer Trophy. This equates to the junior equivalent of the Palairet Trophy. The team included another two junior golfers with very good potential Matthew and Nathan Brace, and although Libbaton went through to the next round at Sidmouth's expense Winchester distinguished himself by conquering Libbaton's top player, 5 handicapper Brian Stephens at the fourth extra hole. Winchester's handicap is now down to 7 .