Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Barry White

Let The Music Play

Listen Live

Ripon golf prodigy represents Yorkshire at championship finals

Monday, 17 June 2024 07:10

Ripon golfer William Hixon alongside Coach Berry.

Promising young golfer William Hixon said he was "delighted" to represent Yorkshire at the Northern Region Boys Championship finals.

The honour comes as the Ripon Grammar School sixth former prepares to head to the United States in August for the next stage of his career.

The 18-year-old has been awarded a $100,000 athletic scholarship at Bluefield State University in West Virginia.

William, who captains Harrogate and District Union of Golf Clubs and has a handicap of 0.8, was pursued by several American universities.

The teenager, who has been selected for Yorkshire U16s three times and won the Harrogate and District junior championships two years' running, came 12th out of 37 entrants at the Northern regional finals, despite missing out on the practice round as he was competing in the Yorkshire Boys Championships the day before.

His US coach, Samuel Berry, came to meet him at Pannal Golf Club in June, where he explained in-depth his plans for the golf programme he’s developing at the university.

Coach Berry said:

“William is not only an exceptional student, but also an outstanding golfer. He has raw talent and the sky is the limit for this young man.

“My goal with William is to prepare him for a career in professional golf after his four years with me. William has all the attributes to play golf at the highest of levels.”

William chose to attend Bluefield State University, where annual fees are nearly $30,000, after beating off stiff competition from more than 1,000 applicants to win one of just ten coveted scholarships on a prestigious golfing programme headed up by British coach Berry.

In addition to the outstanding training and practice facilities, William was attracted by the exciting sporting schedule, which includes regional and national championships and tournaments in Hawaii, Florida and San Francisco.

More from Local News

Livestock and showjumping champions crowned on day three of Great Yorkshire Show

John Whitaker rolled back the years to claim a seventh Ripon Select Foods Cock O' The North title as champions were crowned across the Great Yorkshire Show on Thursday.
WATCH: First look at RHS Harlow Carr's new brick trail

RHS Harlow Carr is inviting families to explore a brand new brick-built adventure when its summer holiday trail opens this weekend.
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time next week

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from next week.
Harrogate residents invited to share books at new community library

Harrogate residents have a new place to pick up their next read.
Eye health report raises concerns over NHS waiting lists in Harrogate

New research has revealed growing pressure on NHS eye care waiting lists affecting patients in Harrogate.
Outdoor Shakespeare comes to Harrogate and Ripon next week

Outdoor performances of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet are coming to Harrogate and Ripon next week.
Police investigate disability hate crime in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information about a hate crime that occurred on Walworth Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate naturist club welcomes newcomers for free event

A naturist club near Harrogate is inviting people to learn more about naturism at a free Discovery Day.
WATCH: 'Incredible' St Mary's teacher wins end of term treat

Another amazing teacher has received an end of term treat thanks to Harrogate BID.
Ripon Grammar School girls and boys crowned cricket champions

Girls' and boys' cricket teams at Ripon Grammar School have been crowned county champions.
Council accused of "letting the harm continue" after voting against school transport debate

North Yorkshire Council leaders have been accused of “letting the harm continue” after they voted against debating a motion to reverse a controversial home-to-school transport policy.
Harrogate home care company named among UK's top 20

A Harrogate home care company has been recognised as one of the UK's top 20 home care groups for 2026.
Free family community festival planned for Valley Gardens

A free family community festival is coming to Harrogate next month.
Aldborough & Boroughbridge Show returns with new attractions

The Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show returns to Newby Hall next weekend, marking the 111th staging of the much‑loved Yorkshire rural event.
New deputy leader appointed at North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Council has appointed Cllr Mark Crane as its new deputy leader.
Police appeal after driver crashes into parked car in Knaresborough

Police are appealing for information following a fail-to-stop road traffic incident in Knaresborough.
Large solar farm and battery storage plant near Knaresborough set for approval

Planning officers have given their backing to controversial plans for a large solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) near Knaresborough.
Harrogate councillors accused of "childish political stunts" over no confidence vote

North Yorkshire Council chiefs have hit back at "childish" town councillors who passed a vote of no confidence in the unitary authority.
Controversial A1(M) services set for final approval

After more than 20 years of legal wrangles, controversial plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire are set to be given the go-ahead next week.
WATCH: Grove Road teacher is third to receive special end of term treat

A popular teacher at Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate is the latest to receive an end of term treat thanks to Harrogate BID.