Mel Buxton - Junior Captain

Hi, I'm Mel. I'm 17 years old and have been playing golf since I was 9, when I joined Canford Kids! I play off a handicap of 6 and intend to get to scratch. Last season I also made 3 hole in ones in competitions in 12 days, from Aug 1st-12th. I have now played for both Dorset Junior Girls and the 2nd Dorset Ladies Team, as well as for the Canford Junior and Ladies Teams.

I left Corfe Hills School in 2006 after doing my GCSE's. I then spent a year at the Bournemouth & Poole College studying a Skills Track course. In September this year I started at Brockenhurst College studying an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (GOLF), which I am enjoying immensely. I hope to be able to go to university and to take up golf as a profession in the future.
Harry Shaw - Junior Vice Captain

Hi, I’m Harry Shaw. I am 15 years old and have been playing golf since I was 7, when I joined Canford kids. I finished Canford kids at the age of 11, and enjoyed every moment I was there. I then took lessons with Dave Cooper who helped me a great deal with my golf swing.

After leaving Canford Kids I joined Canford Magna Golf Club as a junior member and started playing serious golf. My handicap at the moment is 6 and I am currently taking lessons with Steve Thorne, who has helped me halve my handicap in under a year. I would like to continue lowering my handicap and get down to scratch in the future.

I have now represented Canford Magna Juniors for about 3 years, but this past year has been my most successful. I have only lost one out of the six matches I’ve competed in, and have played a match for Canford Magna Hardy A.  I also won the Junior Club Championships and came second in the Canford Swan. I am hoping to win them both next year and the Men’s Club Championships as well!

I am currently studying for two GCSE's in PE and Leisure and Tourism at Winton Arts and Media College where I am in year ten. When I have finished my course I would like to go to college to study golf, and in the future become a professional.

Good luck to everyone this year, I am looking forward to it.
 
 
David Cooper
David Cooper - PGA Professional, Jnr Organiser & Welfare Officer

Many, many years ago when he was a junior golfer himself, David played his golf at Meyrick Park Golf Club and the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. During his junior years David represented Dorset county at junior, colt and mens levels.

Aged 18 David finished 2nd out of 22,000 entrants in the Daily Telegraph junior golf championship. He did this by shooting 5 under par at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in their Junior Open. Subsequently he traveled to play the final in the United States where he finished 6th.

During his amateur days David competed against and played much golf with Justin Rose and Luke Donald. Unfortunately, since they all turned pro at around 20 years of age, Justin and Luke have played a little better then Dave!

During Davids' 10 years as a professional he has won 6 pro events but has concentrated more on coaching and his other commitments working at Canford such as managing the Junior Development Program and Academy.

One of Davids' proudest moments was graduating through the PGA's 3 year national diploma program, in which he achieved the highest grade possible, a distinction, becoming one of only a handful of people to do so. If you would like to book a golf lesson with David you can do so by calling the Academy 01202 591212, junior lessons are given at discounted rates.