Keen young golfers get advice as expert goes back to school

James Hepworth – who is poised to join the elite European Golf Tour following a highly-successful season – visited Ashville College, near Harrogate, to guide 15 junior school pupils, aged eight to nine, on how to improve their game.

Beginning his golfing career as a child practising at Ilkley Golf Club, James, 35, is now ranked in the top 20 of European players.

This comes on the back of a recent fifth place finish at the Apulia San Domenico Golf Grand Final in Italy.

The ex-Ashvillian, who attended the school from 1986 to 1991 and now lives in Guiseley, gave pupils a sporting tutorial showing them the techniques for their swings and putting styles.

Ashville Junior School Head of Sport, Duncan Archer, said: "We were delighted to be welcoming James back to the school.

"We have a number of young players who are fanatical about the sport, and I they were looking forward to learning some top tips from a professional who has played against the world's best golfers, but who also happens to be a former pupil."

Mr Hepworth, who is looking for sponsorship for his next season, added: "It was nice to go back to the old place again. I have not been back for 20 years."