One of Bermuda's talented junior golfers now has the opportunity to further their sporting prowess and education overseas thanks to Government.

The Junior Golf Development Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Government Golf Courses is offering a one-year, $15,000 scholarship to assist a promising junior golfer, under age 18 and one who has a financial need. The funds will enable the recipient to attend a golf school overseas as well as continue their education.

Board member Juliana Jack explained that while the scholarship is not really new, it has not been advertised for the past two years as the Sub-Committee decided to extend its assistance to the inaugural recipient - Aaron James - so he could graduate from high school. Now, he is on the verge of doing so and it's time for another teenager to benefit.

"He (Aaron) was doing so well but he would not have had the money to continue on his own after one year. We couldn't leave him out in the cold and choose somebody else so we decided to see him through provided that he remained committee. He has done exceptionally well in school and he is about to graduate and go to university. It's time for us to give somebody else the opportunity."

Asked if a similar allowance would be made should the second recipient require more than one year's help, Jack said the Sub-Committee would have "to look at the individual's circumstances" before making a determination.

"We are excited that we will have the funds to help more juniors and we are looking forward to getting the applications. Even if these youngsters don't turn out to be successful pro golfers, if they graduate from university and come back more confident and developed individuals then we have done something that makes the money well spent," said Jack.

Applications close on May 17 and a decision, she said, should be reached by the end of the month. Candidates may have to undergo an interview.

The Board has kept abreast of James' progress and members recently received a letter from the young Bermudian's coach at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida indicating that his student has tremendous potential.

"Aaron displays talent like I have seen in only two players on the PGA Tour. This kid has a special gift that will allow him to go a long way in the golfing world," read the letter from Greg Melvin.

Jack noted it is news like this as well as the facts that James is on the honour roll at his high school and has already been accepted to university that makes the scholarship all worthwhile.