MINCHINHAMPTON golfer Jack Cope, who helped England win the Canadian International Junior Challenge last season, is one of eight players selected in the 2016/17 England Boys’ golf squad for the first time.

Norfolk’s Toby Briggs is the only player to hold his place from last year’s squad.

Cope, 17, who is coached by Minchinhampton pro Stuart Little, had top three finishes in the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, the South of England Boys’ Open and the South West Boys’ county qualifier last season.

But he thought he had blown his chance of appearing in one of the world's most prestigious junior tournaments when making an early exit from the British Boys’ Championship.

"I got through the qualifying stages of the British Boys but was knocked out in the first round," said Cope. "However, I had played well at the start and the middle of the season which is probably why I was picked.

"Obviously, to play in Canada at the Wildfire Golf Club in Ontario and to help England win the team competition was the highlight of my year. I shot four under par in a practice round and liked the course, but in the tournament itself I struggled a bit with my putting.

"I was wearing the England badge for the first time and so keen to make a good impression I may have wanted it too much."

Nonetheless, he finished eighth individually in Canada and was sixth on the England Boys’ Order of Merit for 2016.

Jack has played the game since he was seven and now has handicap of plus 1.4.

A sixth-form student at Marling School in Stroud, he’s a member of both the Minchinhampton Old and New courses and lives near the course.

Understandably, he has contemplated a career as a professional golfer but he is level-headed enough to recognise the pitfalls in the way of that dream.

"We all want to become professionals deep down, but that is a long way off," he said. "I’m just taking it step by step.

"I’m starting to think about universities and a few US colleges have been in touch. I am also thinking about Stirling and Exeter over here."

The England boys' squad is heading to Portugal's Quinta do Lago golf club in February for a week of warm weather training with England lead coach Rob Watts coach and manager Derek Hughes.

"I'm thrilled to be selected for the squad," he said.

"Rob and Derek came to Minch last week and talked to myself and Stuart (Little) about what I should be working on, which was invaluable.

"After Portugal we build up to the first two big tournaments of the season – the McEvoy Trophy at Copt Heath GC and the Fairhaven Trophy in mid-May – when I can wear my England colours."

Cope also hopes to have time to correct one omission on his CV – the Minchinhampton Club Championship.

"I've competed in it twice and on both occasions I was beaten in the final by Mike Downey, who has since turned pro.

"I should really have won both times. I was two shots clear on the last tee, double bogeyed and was beaten in a play-off. And on the other occasion I was four shots clear after the opening round.

"But it was a good learning experience and at least taught me how to lose with grace."