It was as a 15-year-old former John Kyrle High School pupil when Niall Powell joined the Gorsley-based Ross-on-Wye Golf Club. He believed that his future in golf could best be served in the care of the Club’s Head Professional Tim Hall and his School of Golf team, via their ‘continuous improvement’ coaching and philosophy.

It was not long before Niall was appointed as Ross Juniors’ Captain. His example made him an outstanding ambassador and his many golfing achievements included becoming a three times Juniors County Champion. He also gained local recognition and was voted as the Ross Gazette’s Young Sports Person of the year in 2013, during the Award Scheme’s inaugural year.

Four years later, the next stage of Niall’s exciting journey will see him undertake a full golf scholarship at Kirkwood College in the Cedar Rapids area in Iowa, USA to continue his education by completing a degree, as well as following his dreams to become a professional golfer, offered in the American college system.

Niall left our shores recently in good form, following his rookie year Men’s Regional Amateur win at Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxford, shooting four under par on a difficult course in testing conditions.

It reflects well on everyone at the Ross Club that over 100 members from all sections took part in a special competition to bid Niall farewell and their generosity resulted in him being presented with a number of parting gifts to assist him in the many challenges that he is so much looking forward to.

Niall recently let Ross Golf Club know how he’s been getting on. He said: "It’s been four weeks since I joined Kirkwood and I could not have settled better, becoming an integral part of the College golf team with many new learning experiences to enjoy not least my first-ever ice bath!"

Niall’s family would like to thank Tim Hall and his Pro-Shop team and everyone associated with Ross Golf Club for the guidance and support over the past four years, including the Ross Gazette’s part in their ongoing policy to recognise the investment in young people opportunities provided by many sporting organisations throughout the Wye Valley region.