Toby Rutherford bags first scholarship at Barnard Castle Golf Club

Talented teenager Toby Rutherford is the first ever recipient of Barnard Castle Golf Club’s junior scholarship.

The 14-year-old has been a member for four years, plays off a handicap of 13.8 and is vice-captain of the juniors.

Chris Gent, Barnard Castle GC’s junior liaison officer, said: “The club wanted to reward a player from the junior section who has shown real commitment to improving, someone who has the right values, enthusiasm and commitment and will represent the club in a professional way.

“The committee all agreed Toby was that player.”

His mother Wendy Rutherford added: “Toby is a bit of an all-rounder playing football and cricket, but both of those sports have taken a back seat as golf is very much now his passion.

“He plays or practices every day as well as concentrating hard on his schoolwork.”

Toby also plays for the Barnard Castle Golf Club junior team with his brother Joe, who plays off 12.1, and their dad Ian, who plays off 13.7.

Golf appears to be proving increasingly popular with young players and the club has doubled its junior membership over the last 12 months.