Bristol & Clifton Golf Club has been crowned Junior Club of the Year at the Golf Foundation President’s Awards 2025, in recognition of a thriving junior programme that places inclusivity, opportunity and community spirit at its heart.
The club is home to 152 junior members, with initiatives ranging from “Tiny Tots” sessions for children as young as four, through to GolfSixes League and GolfNines competitions. The ethos is clear: golf is for everyone, regardless of ability or background.
Lead Junior Organiser Mike Power said when accepting the award:
“The award is not about one person or a committee – it is truly a community setup. We have complete support from the club captain, the board, PGA pro Paul Mitchell and volunteers. Our ethos is inclusiveness, and funny enough, we actually get great results from that approach.”
The commitment to SEN and disability inclusion has been a hallmark of Bristol & Clifton’s work, with PGA pro Paul Mitchell delivering programmes for over 20 years. Juniors are given leadership roles as GolfSixes or GolfNines captains, developing responsibility and confidence.
Chris Rowe, Junior Team Manager, said:
“We’re proud of the growth of our junior programme but even more proud of the values that underpin it. Compassion, opportunity and community spirit are what make the difference.”
Juniors themselves had their say. Junior Captain Ronan said:
“Golf is more than just about the sport – it’s about the friends and experiences you have at the club. I want to give back to younger juniors as my captains did for me.”
And Scarlett, Golf Nines Captain, added:
“Being part of the junior section at Bristol & Clifton is awesome. I’ve made friends, played in fun events, and it never feels like practice – it always feels like fun.”
From festive celebrations to major fundraising drives – including raising over £27,000 for local charities in 2024 – the junior section proves that golf can teach life skills as well as swings.
