HALF a dozen promising youngsters are set to benefit after Oxford Golf Club created a junior scholarship programme.

It has been set up after captains Craig Hancock and Debbie Roberts decided to channel their year’s fundraising activity into the scheme.

The partnership with the club’s head professional Joe Pepperell and his assistant Martin Woodbridge has selected four boys and two girls already at the club based on merit.

They will receive membership, group sessions, ten individual tutorials, plus coaching at the new Short Game Academy, which is due to open next month.

Pepperell said: “Inspiring and developing youngsters is a major part of our strategy and our values.

“It is wonderful that the club captains are giving something back and helping youngsters develop their golf here.

“We’re looking forward to coaching the children on their all-round game as our first-ever junior golf scholars.

“With the opening of the Short Game Academy close, the launch of the scholarship and the golf season starting in earnest it’s an exciting time.”

Hancock described it as a ‘fantastic honour’ to launch the junior scholarship programme.

The club’s men’s captain said: “So many of our members grew up playing here and have enjoyed the health benefits of the sport and it’s important we inspire more youngsters to take up golf.

“I’m sure the junior scholars will develop both as golfers and as people and become positive role models for other youngsters.”

Debbie Roberts, captain of the ladies’ section, added: “We wanted to do something different this year with our charitable activities and thought what better than to set up a junior golf scholarship at Oxford.

“We’re all passionate about providing young people with the platform to flourish in a sport that is so rewarding.”