JUNIOR Matt Morrison has capped a dramatic handicap reduction by becoming one of the youngest ever to hole in one during a senior competition at Shipley.

The 15-year-old, who plays off eight after coming down 14 shots since last year, produced an ace at the Beckfoot course’s par three 11th.

It was the latest example of how Shipley’s junior section is thriving under the guidance of professional Nathan Stead and his assistant Ross Heslop.

Vice-captain John Bretherick said: “We’re not quite sure but we think Matt maybe the youngest person at the club to have holed in one on competition day at the age of just 15 and nine months.

“He is one of several youngsters at the club who are golf nuts and virtually live here seven days a week. He has been picked for the Bradford Union junior team (along with fellow member Jack Wright) and has just got better and better.”

Shipley are delighted to see such developments, having made a concerted effort to nurture their junior players with regular coaching sessions and changing rules to allow them to enter all senior competitions.

Bretherick said: “The members are absolutely supportive of the youngsters and their progress. Junior development is essential not just at Shipley but for golf in general.

“All the stats show that memberships are decling and the average age is going up, so it’s really important.”