by SHERRYLYN A. CLARKE

THE LACK of a driving range is hindering the growth of golf in Barbados among adults and children alike.

This assessment came from Denny Foster, director of golf at the Barbados Golf Club, in an interview with SUNSPORT at the end of the 2006 Diamonds International/Lynch Insurance Brokers Junior Golf Tournament.

"We do our best here at the Barbados Golf Club, but in the absence of a driving range it is very difficult. You have nowhere to learn to play. We need a driving range badly, not only for juniors, but for everyone to learn to play," Foster said.

"That is a bit of a setback."

The driving range, which was at Balls, Christ Church, was closed more than a year ago and is now the home of the Ocean Park, a multi-million dollar marine aquarium.

Despite this challenge, the Barbados Golf Club continues its junior programmes. One of those bore fruit from Wednesday to Friday at the Durants, Christ Church facility, with 26 children, ages seven to 18, taking part in the annual competition.

The 16 to 18 age group was won by Bobby Edghill who shot 236. He also received the Best Player award. Second place went to Corey Carter with 242.

In the 13 to 15 age group, Simon Proverbs emerged the leader with 239, followed by Robbie McGuire with 245, and Mary Ince on 249, while Warren Bynoe took the 12 and Under age group (54 holes) with 245, just two strokes ahead of Donald Leacock.

The tiny tots were also showing off their skills. Playing on the short course (four holes a day), Spencer Smith emerged leader of the Ten and Under with an impressive 54. He was in a class by himself, with Skye Shepherd, and Mitchell Burke both shooting 68, and Clement Hassid one stroke behind.

Richard Perkins won the Ten and Under nine holes a day (27 holes) with 151, eight ahead of Joseph Ince.

Foster said the scores from the annual event would go towards the Barbados junior team for the Caribbean Golf Championships.

"The standard has remained pretty much the same. We have always had some very good individual players. We have more depth in the boys, but we don't have enough girls," Foster said.

* sherrylynclarke@ nationnews.com