The History of the Somerset Junior Golf League

Through the 1990’s Junior matches took place between the Clubs at Enmore Park, Burnham & Berrow, Wells, Weston-Super-Mare and Worlebury. At the end of 1997 a meeting of these Clubs was held to formalise the matches. A League in line with those operated in other Counties was agreed upon. It was also decided to hold a one day Jamboree involving the five Clubs. Rules were drawn up and a Co-ordinator / Secretary was appointed. 

After just one season four more Clubs were allowed to join the League. 

The initial League was played on a better ball basis involving eight players with Clubs invited to allow two playing reserves to also take part. 

Over the subsequent years 19 Clubs have participated, with other Clubs based in the North of Somerset playing in the Bristol League to avoid long journeys to the Taunton area and Minehead & West Somerset. 

The peak years for the League were between 2004 and 2011 when between 16 and 18 Clubs took part each year. Clubs have dropped out of the League as they found it difficult to find a Junior Organiser only in some cases to return a year or two later. 

A knock-out Cup was added in 2004. 

The match play format was reduced to six a side in 2014 to help Clubs that by then were struggling to raise a side. 

The AGM at the end of the 2015 season agreed a change to better ball. This alteration made it possible for a Club to honour a fixture even if they could not find a full team. 

In its heyday the League was played across three geographical areas. In 2016 the League moved to the current set up of a First Diversion for the stronger Clubs with a Development League for the Club that is very much trying to build (or re-build) a Junior Section. The hope is that in future seasons some Clubs will have a team in both Leagues.