Josh chasing the American dream on golf tour (From Worcester News)

Josh chasing the American dream on golf tour

3:20pm Sunday 2nd January 2011 in Sport By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

AN aspiring Worcester golfer has been selected as just one of eight players from the UK to take part in the 21st British Independent Schools golf tour to America.

Josh Mansell, a Malvern College student from Claines, near Worcester, will be heading to the east coast of the USA to take part in the tour this Easter.

The 17-year-old four-handicapper said: “I am proud of my selection and would encourage all young people into this sport irrespective of ability. Personal skills such as honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect are all present in golf, regardless of the level of competition and these are a blueprint for life and not just sport.

“I am over the moon and well aware of the enormous privilege bestowed on me as an ambassador for my school and country.”

Droitwich Golf Club member Mansell has been a keen golfer since he was a toddler and his interest was boosted by his selection for a Sport For England accelerated training programme and his subsequent inclusion in the county team.

During 2010, he won both the junior of the year award as well as the junior club championship at Droitwich.

Mansell is also the captain of the Malvern College golf team and he has benefitted from their significant investments in sporting facilities, particularly golf, under the watchful eye of director of sport John Cox.

Iain Henderson, master in charge of golf at Wellington College, who is overseeing the tour, added: “The field for selection this year was very strong indeed and it is a great accolade for Josh.

“His referee wrote most supportively about his golfing talent, generous contribution to a team and soundness as an ambassador for his school and country on this tour to the United States. The touring party will consist of eight boys and two adults, who will play 16 to 18 matches on some of the finest courses on the Eastern Seaboard — covering some 2,500 miles in the process.”