MOST golf clubs pride themselves on the way they nurture their youngsters -- but at Accrington it's the kids that are leading the way.

Ryan Foster carried off the club's Harold Barnes Cup at the weekend, winning the open singles event at the age of just 15.

It followed hot on the heels of his sister Nicky and cousin Sean Taylor, who won a mixed open title the previous week with a combined age of only 27.

Ryan's win was achieved with a three under par gross score of 69, with his five handicap taking him to net 62 before he won the title on a card play-off with John Hindle.

He displayed his big-game temperament by holing a sensational fairway shot on the 18th for an eagle two.

And Nicky, 12, and 15-year-old Sean also savoured the champions' feeling when they emerged form the final green after their triumph.

"Nicky and Sean were cheered off the course when they walked up, it was a great atmosphere," said Trevor Foster, who is Nicky and Ryan's dad.

"There were 120 in the competition so to win against a field like that with a combined age of just 27 is great.

"Ryan was up against over 150 other golfers so it's a good achievement for him too."

But with the Harold Barnes in the cabinet, it's another Harold that is concerning Ryan this month as he looks to inherit the Harold Ryden Trophy from his father.

Ryan is entering the ELGA Championship at Clitheroe, where Trevor will be attempting to retain the title he won at his home course last year.

"There would be none more more delighted than me if I did surrender it to him," said Trevor, whose form last season has convinced him to widen his search for honours this year.

This will include him taking part in the Open regional qualifiers for the first time in three years, at Pleasington in July.

Foster said: "Last year was as good a year as I've had for quite a few years. I only had one round out of the 60s in singles competitions I played in.

"So with that form I had to have a go this year. The players at the club and my family were telling me so I thought 'okay, I will do'.

"The way I see it is, while I'm entitled to enter events for being a scratch golfer I might as well enter because one day that handicap won't be there."

One competition Foster won't be taking part in, however, is the ELGA Scratch Shield and President's Trophy at Darwen on Saturday.

As he is the Accrington clubhouse steward, Foster will be on duty as it's Accrington's President's Day.