Cost is an issue for sure my local club I have to say is very active in encouraging children into the game. I think it's also a combination of computer games and other sports. I see with my three boys that they enjoy golf but it's a second to soccer, Rugby and basketball unfortunately.

Peter thats a great shout but is it cost or is it the fact some golf clubs still snub juniors. I'm in a private club and play in our scratch team and have done for years. I still remember the first time nearly 30 years ago at the age of 15 and two of us were some of the best single figure handicaps in the club and we were asked to represnt the club. A letter was written to the board suggesting juniors shouldnt represent the club in senior competition so we were dropped. Unfortunately this mentality still exists limiting them to playing after 4pm at the weekends etc.

When are some cluns going to realise that juniors are the future, from my friends who played all those years ago Only two of us are left and its a shame.

I always make time to talk to the few juniors we have in our club and will always welcome them in competitions. Yet they still get some looks when they are playing with one of the best players in the club ( not blowing my own trumpet there but its true) and I find myself apologizing to the youngsters for the behaviour of some of the seniors.

Its this behaviour that seems to be killing off junior golf in some clubs, but they won't be around forever so it may not be too late.

Not necessarily just the cost, some clubs seem to not 'like' non members, or new members, as stated I am not the best golfer in the club, in fact I'm without doubt the worst member, including new junior members, but I do enjoy playing, at present I just hack around on my own, still not good enough to play with anyone :). Maybe this year, although I've been saying this for years !!