'Real talent for the future at Royal Eastbourne Golf Club' - Young twins enjoy big success

At the end of July the pair, aged 12, took part in the first Junior competition of the year on the Devonshire Course at their home club, Royal Eastbourne.

It was their first competition in the main under 18 Junior section of the club, having been part of the junior development academy last year. George was victorious on the Devonshire with 52 points (86 gross) and Archie came in third with 46 points (92 gross), just one point off second place.

SEE ALSO 'It threatens our viability... and possibly our survival' - Eastbourne Borough ask MP to back Let Fans In campaign | 'Rest in peace Big G' - Sporting community pays tribute to much-loved photographer | Report, pictures and video - Sussex youngsters can enjoy summer sport coaching again

Two weeks later, on 3rd August, they entered the Under 12 Sussex Championship at Cuckfield where the roles were reversed. Archie won the Championship with 55 points (79 gross) and George came third with 50 points (81 gross), again, just missing out on second place by one point!

The boys have practised at The Royal virtually non-stop since the rules have allowed post-lockdown, often doing 6-8 hour days at the Club, combining playing the courses with using the practice areas along with plenty of rests at the bar to grab a drink and Kit-Kat, and to enjoy a good chat with other members.

Early evening, they can often be found on the practice putting green challenging members of the Scratch team to a putting competition in the hope of winning a further Kit-Kat.

It is clear from speaking to them that it is the encouragement, playing tips and friendly banter they receive from so many members at the club which inspires the boys to keep playing and keep improving. They refer to REGC as their second home.

Archie and George said: “We just love playing golf.

"We love the competitions but we equally love just being at The Royal playing with, chatting to and learning from the other members who are all so encouraging and friendly towards us.”

Coach Glyn Bateman said: “The boys are a pleasure to coach and I am extremely happy with their development in a short space of time. We are constantly trying to improve and see if we can get them all the way to the top of the game.

"I am incredibly proud of the work we have done as a team so far and I am looking forward to seeing them win future championships.”

Jan and Ray Edwards, who are Junior Organisers at REGC, were also full of praise for the pair.

They said: "Archie and George are two rising stars in our junior section this year. Their determination and constant practice has paid off as they are now entering club and county competitions - Archie scoring an amazing 55 Stableford points to win the U12 Sussex Championship and George with another incredible score of 52 Stableford points to win REGC’s first junior competition after lockdown.

"Real talent for the future at Royal Eastbourne Golf Club.”