Golfers from across the world have been competing at Moor Park Golf Club this week in the Under-18s Boys’ Open - the Carris Trophy.

Organised by the English Golf Union the event, which began on Tuesday and ends today (Friday), showcases the stars of the future.

The Carris Trophy has a track record of setting players on the road to glory - with current US Open champion Justin Rose lifting the title in 1995.

Castle Royle Golf and Country Club’s George Gardner was leading the competition at the time of going to press. He was one under par ahead of his third round which was played yesterday (Thursday). Moor Park is regarded as the competition’s spiritual home, with the Carris Trophy being hosted at the Hertfordshire club from 1935 to 1987.

When the tournament was adopted by England Golf in 1988 it was played at different courses around the UK but this year’s competition sees it return to Moor Park.

England Golf used the event to launch their ‘strategic plan’ for 2014 to 2017.

The strategy is a result of extensive consultation and sets a framework for action by clubs, counties and England Golf.

The initiative aims to develop more players, stronger clubs and an improved governance of the game as well as increasing participation in the sport which has dropped in recent years.