Tayce Cheshire, Zach Scholtz and James Gordon, all students of Cootamundra High School, were notified earlier this year that they had been chosen to be part of the foundation.

To be eligible golfers must be 17 years or under and must play off a handicap below 10.

Tayce is 17 and has a handicap of 4, Zach is 16 and plays off 7 while James, also 16, plays off 7.

The elite squad has only nine members including the three from Cootamundra, showcasing the talent to come out of Cootamundra’s junior golfing ranks.

Zach and Tayce both aspire to be professional golfers and see the Southern Sports Academy Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation as a great way to achieve this goal.

Through the foundation Tayce, Zach and James will be given the opportunity to play in a number of tournaments against quality players from across the region.

They will also have access to current and former players, fitness experts, sports psychologists and a number of other people who will help to improve them as players, creating future champions.

Zach has been playing golf seriously for about two years.

He first dabbled in the sport when he moved to Cootamundra with his family, however decided to take a break, before picking up his clubs again recently and committing himself to the game.

Tayce, the son of pro shop owner Graeme Cheshire, grew up around the sport and first hit a ball when he was about three.

He has been playing seriously for about four an half years.

Both boys are passionate about the game of golf and keen to see where it takes them.

Zach said he enjoys “the atmosphere” on the golf course, while Tayce likes the social aspect.

“It’s good to have a day playing with your mates,” Tayce said.

The pathway from Southern Sports Academy Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation to the PGA circuit is currently being tested by PGA trainee Buck Allan who was a member of the foundation before qualifying for the professional circuit.

Tayce and Zach said they both hope to emulate his successful leap.

Tayce, Zach and James will be part of the foundation for 12 months at which point they will have to re-qualify to continue to remain part of the squad.