Get to know County President Martin Youngs (1)
Q & A with Martin Youngs – Suffolk County President
We sat down recently, at Ipswich GC and chatted to Martin Youngs are new County President, about his background in Golf, his Vision for the County, Changes for 2022, even what book he is reading and what TV series he is hooked on….. Read on, hope you enjoy.
Martin has been an accomplished golfer in the county since the 1970’s joining Thorpness as a junior, he is still a member there today alongside Woodbridge GC and Aldeburgh GC.
A county representative since the 1980’s until 2003 for both the 1st and 2nd Teams. Held the position of captain of the 2nd’s for five years then from 2004 – 2009 was Nonplaying Captain of the 1st Team.
We started by talking about the changes to the Race to Aldeburgh and how it also gives the opportunity for the handicap golfer to be part of the finals day.
Q. Martin, in addition to the above what other major change have you implemented
A. “There will be additional opportunities for the elite golfer to compete with the Team and Amateur Championships becoming two separate events. Says Martin “it can only be a good thing for Suffolk Golfers to compete amongst themselves more often”
He continued, “We have also reviewed and update all our coaching programme’s to ensure they remained relevant with an emphasis on more on course work. We are also keen to let people know what we are doing as a county and we have resurrected our communication via all the mainstream social media channels”
Q. We are fortunate to have England Internationals and a Runner Up in the British Amateur in our Suffolk ranks – we must be doing lots right
A. “Yes we have Top County Support from coaches like Keith Preston from Aldeburgh whose enthusiasm never wanes. We have an extensive Junior Programme and the majority of our elite teams are fed from the Junior ranks. We should be proud of the county’s retention that has been built by fantastic team bonding at all levels”
Q. If you had a new member to Suffolk Golf here now, what would you tell him are the 3 most important things that a county Union does for him?
A. “I would remind them of the role that the county plays in governance of the game and how it links effectively with England Golf. A new member should remember that the county has helped implement and educate on topics such as the WHS and Safe Golf .” “In addition a new member should make avail of other resources we offer such as the County Card, Plus brilliant sources of information can be found on the website.
Q. How can the Clubs get more involved in the county?
A. “Clubs could help us publicise events such as the Race to Aldeburgh for both the elite and handicap golfer. We would also encourage clubs to share with us news from their clubs, especially around the Jewel in our Crown – the Inter Club Knockouts”
Part 2 to follow – The Quick fire questions .. and Predictions / Tips for Winners in 2022
