International clash at Preston Golf Club

England take on Spain in an Under-16s international at the Fulwood Hall Lane-based club on Saturday and Sunday.

Hosting the tournament is a huge coup for Preston, the annual battle between England and Spain always producing some top quality golf.

Mark Jolly from Preston Golf Club told the Post: “We are honoured to be hosting this event.

“England play Spain annually at this age group, with the countries alternating as hosts.

“Two years ago, we hosted the Reid Trophy for the Under-14s and we did such a good job that England Golf have come back to us.

“This tournament is a nursery for up-and-coming golfers to help get to the top level of the amateur ranks or go on to play professionally.

“Golfers to have played in this fixture include Masters winner Danny Willett (above), Ryder Cup player Matt Fitzpatrick, Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnson and Melissa Reid.

“So this weekend, we could be seeing players who go on to have very successful careers.”

The eight-strong teams are mixed, with the tournament consisting of foursomes in the morning and matchplay singles in the afternoon.

Jolly said: “On Saturday and Sunday, tee-off is from 9am, with the afternoon play starting at 2pm.

“Spectators are welcome, this is a chance to watch some very talented young golfers at close hand.

“It would be great to see a big crowd following the play, admission is free.

“One of the reasons we have been able to get this event and others, is that the course and greens are in impeccable condition.

“That is down to the work done by course manager Andrew Merry and his team.

“Our greens are of USGA specification, we changed to that a few years ago and it has paid dividends.

“We’ve had county fixtures here, next month there is the Trilby Tour which is a very big amateur event.

“The England and Spain teams will have a practice day on Friday, before the action starts on Saturday.”

Spain are the holders, having beaten England in Madrid last year.

England: Barclay Brown (Hallamshire), Dominic Clemons (Gog Magog), Annabell Fuller (Roehampton), Tom Gregory (Stoke Park), Charlie Hilton (Ifield), Lily May Humphreys (Stoke by Nayland), Mimi Rhodes (Burnham and Berrow), Caitlin Whitehead (Kendal).