SEVEN handicapper James Poole yesterday won Hartlepool United’s annual golf day – although Sam Collins was nominated the best player.

Poole was part of the winning Hartlepool Wine and Beer Company side at the Wynyard Club on Teesside.

The day was held in aid of the club’s youth development and Collins, who plays off eight, won the individual award for a better back nine.

“Days like this help everyone get together,” said Poole.

“You see the lads all in the same environments at work, in training and in games so to get out playing golf is a good thing.

“Everyone is relaxed and away from the footballs which is nice.

“I spent a lot of time playing golf when I can. I started seriously when I was 13 / 14 and the course was close to me at home in Manchester, just around the corner.

“Once you start playing and get the bug it’s hard to shake off.

“I’ve not played golf for a few weeks, so it’s good to be back.

“I like the sport in my spare time and I think Sam is a bit of competition – he’s handy.

“I’ve played at Throston a few times and it’s nice enough, apart from when the wind picks up. I play off about six, or seven, but I’m always capable of self-destructing.”

There was also prizes for the nearest to the pin, an award in memory of Pools winger Michael Maidens who died four years ago yesterday in a road accident.

Maidens progressed through the youth ranks at Victoria Park and, with yesterday’s event raising funds for the Victoria Park centre of excellence, coach Mick Wadsworth was quick to support the importance of the junior ranks.

“The youth development at this club is of absolute, paramount importance,” he insisted.

“Other than the first-team doing well it’s the second most important thing on my side of the fence.

“I’ve always had a close relationship with youth development in my formative years, both with the FA and at Barnsley.

“Wherever I’ve worked I always try to give a lot of my time to the youth programme and I really enjoy being part of it.

“We had some practice games at Middlesbrough this week and some of their younger players looked fantastic, but it’s not an exact science and the probability is that most of them won’t even make the Football League.

“It’s a troublesome road and it’s a road which is affected by so many factors, but I would dare to say that here we’re in better shape than we have been.”