Colin Montgomerie enjoying himself with the juniors at Hawick Golf Club (image by Rob Eyton-Jones).
Monty clinic inspires Hawick children

By ROB EYTON-JONES

clubgolf media manager
Hawick children who are being coached at Hawick Golf Club on the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, launched by Colin Montgomerie at Gleneagles in 2003, were given a day to remember after being invited for an hour’s coaching from the Ryder Cup player on Friday.
Monty was in Hawick for the day visiting sponsor, Peter Scott, and as soon as his tour of the factory was over he headed to the Club to give a clinic, answer questions and sign autographs.
“I can see that clubgolf is working here at Hawick because of the amount of kids here that have come here today,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see this level of enthusiasm.”
clubgolf, a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, Professional Golfers’ Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland, developed as a lasting legacy to host the Ryder Cup, was launched in the Borders last April.
Hawick was one of the first clubs to support the programme. Its junior convenor, David Wilson and fellow club member, Dougie Crawford, became its first fully qualified PGA Level 1 Volunteer coaches. In addition to teaching at the Club, both support Active Schools Co-ordinator, Karen Cornwall, by delivering the programme’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, in local primary schools,
Over 200 children from Burnfoot, Drumlanrig, Hobkirk, Newcastleton, Stirches and Wilton Primary Schools had firstclubgolf coaching in 2007. With every Hawick primary school on board this year the numbers of children wishing to further their skills on the club’s Stage 1 course is set to rise.
“It’s fabulous to get this incentive going because it’s not always easy and the coaches are working seamlessly here to make it a success,” said Mr Montgomerie.
“What we are after is providing the opportunity for every child to play the game. I was very fortunate to be part of a golfing family and having been given the opportunity I found I could play the game.
“There are thousands of youngsters out there with ability who will find out about their fantastic talent if they’re given the chance to play.”
After the clinic, the children needed little encouragement to practise all they had learnt. “It was class,” said 11 year old Greig Middlemass, who plays golf at least four times a week. “I learnt how to relax my hands to make it nice and easy for my swing. I’m going to practise that this afternoon. After today I just want to keep practising and improve.”
With hundreds of Hawick children learning golf at school this year, the Club’s junior programme is expanding this summer. Two more club members, Stuart Hunter & Graeme Tinlin, have been trained on the PGA level 1 course. David Wilson and Dougie Crawford have earned an Advanced Level 1 qualification. Local Pro, Keith Morgan is supporting by delivering Stage 3 of the programme.
“We are quite a young junior section with the bulk of the children being 15 or under,” said Mr Wilson. “The primary school sessions have led to a lot of new members and coaching is available to all our members, new & old.
“Our junior section continues to flourish and I have already seen a huge improvement in a number of our younger guys and their handicaps are tumbling.”

Children and coaches from West Linton Golf Club's clubgolf course (image by Rob Eyton-Jones).

West Linton initiative to coach Peebleshire kids

By ROB EYTON-JONES

clubgolf media manager

West Linton Golf Club has joined the nationwide initiative to attract primary school children into the game after starting a clubgolf Stage 1 course for 22 children from West Linton and Newlands Primary Schools.
clubgolf is the national junior golf programme, a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland, developed as a result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
West Linton has an admirable attitude towards its juniors. “Juniors are the future of the game and we have a very strong junior programme,” said Club Pro, Ian Wright. “We have around 120 junior members and the set up here is quite different from most clubs in that the juniors have an equal standing with the adults. If there’s a tee time available they can go and use it.”
Last week Mr Wright and his assistant pro, Ian Rowlands began clubgolf Stage 1 - 40 hours of coaching delivered over two years, covering the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette - and to their surprise 22 local children turned up.
“We had hoped to get over a dozen so to get 22 on the programme is an excellent response,” said Mr Wright. “They are really excited about it and are having fun.”
An added benefit is that the majority of the programme’s 22 children are from non-golfing families and are unlikely to have started the game had it not been for an initiation at school through clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf.
Taught with multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets, firstclubgolf gives nine year olds an enjoyable and safe first experience of the game. Over 26,000 children in Scotland were given firstclubgolf coaching last year, a figure which should rise to 30,000 in 2008.
Paul Murray, Active Schools Co-ordinator for the Peebles school cluster, who delivered the firstclubgolf programme said, “Last term we delivered firstclubgolf to two P5 classes, that’s almost 60 children, in West Linton and Newlands Primaries.
“We are really pleased that the Club has come on board to give the children coaching - and there is a good mix of boys and girls - and delighted that almost half of the children we taught in school have decided to take the next step.
“Only two or three kids we taught in the schools had ever been to a golf club before; the rest had never tried the game. The sheer numbers that wanted to take this on proves the levels of enthusiasm.
“Each year we will keep building on this and get more P5s playing. We’re also in discussion with other clubs in the area and they seem keen to get involved with the clubgolf programme and start their own coaching.”

Orkney girls test their clubgolf skills. Image by Janette Mackie.

Orkney junior programme to expand

By ROB EYTON-JONES

Orkney Golf Club’s junior section, which grew impressively as a result of beginning its clubgolf programme in 2007, is set for further expansion this year.
“We recently put through seven new PGA Level 1 coaches and trained four of them on the new Advanced Level 1 CPD Course,” said Janette Mackie, the Club’s Junior Administrator.
“Adding these to our existing coaches we now have ten PGA Level 1 qualified coaches and four PGA Advanced Level 1 qualified coaches. This has given Orkney Golf Club a junior pathway for development from beginner through to the stage where they can gain a handicap.”
The club’s PGA Level 1 coaches will teach Stage 1 of the clubgolf programme. This involves 40 hours of coaching delivered over two years, and covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.
So keen are the coaches to generate interest in the programme, they have visited local primary schools this spring to help introduce clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, to Primary 5 children. Taught with multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets, firstclubgolf gives nine year olds an enjoyable and safe first experience of the game.
These children will now have the opportunity to progress their skills at the Club, which has almost 60 children enrolled on this year’s coaching courses and will include girls-only lessons.
The club is working with sportscotland to provide new practice facilities for its juniors. “We are looking at erecting a three-bay indoor practice area with a video analysis system which will link to a professional PGA Coach on the mainland for remote coaching,” said Mrs Mackie.
“We also have plans for four shortened junior holes, a two-bay galvanised outdoor practice net and to increase our practice putting green from four to nine holes.
“We will be actively working this year to provide these facilities for our juniors so any clever ideas, donations or business sponsorship would be very welcome.”
Said clubgolf’s Highland Regional Manager, Willie MacKay, who along with sportscotland’s Martin Bowie, travelled to Orkney at the end of last season to present prizes to the juniors, “After a very successful junior coaching season for Orkney Golf Club it was a real pleasure to attend their prize giving with so many juniors and parents present.
“Their youngsters are very fortunate in having so many adult members interested in their development. The 2008 junior season looks very promising with Orkney Golf Club now having coaches qualified to deliver the clubgolf Stage 2 coaching programme which should see several gaining their handicap.”

Brucefields’ new programme
for children with disabilities

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ROB EYTON-JONES
clubgolf and Brucefields Family Golf Centre have extended their commitment to local children this spring by launching the first golf coaching programme of its kind in Scotland for children with disablilities.
The Centre has a long association with clubgolf, the partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland, developed as a result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
In 2006 Brucefields was the venue for Forth Valley’s first pilot for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Last autumn it trialled a golf coaching programme for a small group of children. At the same time its professional, Gregor Monks, expanded his remit to coach 50 children from Bannockburn's six primary schools three nights a week for three months.
The most recent development in the Centre’s evolution is an eight week clubgolf Stage 1 programme for children with disablilities, which attracted 27 for its first lesson last week.
“Our trial course last year for children with disabilities was very popular and we are delighted that 27 children have signed up for this year’s course,” said Brucefields’ General Manager, Kirsty Burge. “It’s a fantastic response.”
Brucefields' professional coaching staff are experienced in working with children who have additional support needs. The new Stage 1 programme is being delivered by Brucefields pro Graham Gormley, and covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.
“We have split the children into three groups and we started last week,” he said. “They thoroughly enjoyed the first session last week.”
With clubgolf creating the opportunity for over 30,000 primary school children in Scotland to experience the game this year through the programme’s introductory game, clubgolf, supportive centres like Brucefields are essential to keep children interested and developing in the game.
“We work very closely with clubgolf,” said Kirsty Burge. “In addition to the coaching for children with disabilities we are increasing the number of children that come from local schools and we could potentially have 60 children this year on our clubgolf Stage 1 course.
“We are a family centre and we do a lot of work with children on the weekends. On top of the clubgolf coaching a lot of children come here on the weekend, with over 50 children coming for coaching on a Sunday.”

Royal approval for Tain Golf Club

Excitement was high at Tain Golf Club this week HRH The Earl of Wessex stopped of at the club on a day long visit to Milton, Tain and Balintore in Easter Ross.

The Prince was given a rousing welcome by young piper Calum Ross from Tain Royal Academy. President Mr Forbie Urquhart escorted the royal party into the clubhouse for a buffet lunch with invited guests including the Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park, officials from the golf club, and the newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Director for Scotland, Barry Fisher who was congratulated on his recent appointment. Also present were local Duke of Edinburgh Award Officer Liz Whiteford and Development Officer Isobel Gray who have both been involved with the Award in Ross and Cromarty for 15 and 9 years respectively.

Prince Edward was escorted outside by clubgolf’s Highland Regional Manager, Willie MacKay and Tain Golf Club’s Head Coach, Mike Sangster to watch young golfers taking part in a variety of Clubgolf activities.

Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland.

Willie MacKay said: “Tain Golf Club was one of the first clubs to sign up to clubgolf and to host a Stage 1 programme back in 2004 and has built up a very strong junior section. Juniors that started as primary pupils are now knocking on the doors of area and regional squads and last year Sammy Vass gained her Scottish Cap after getting selected to play for Scotland.

“The golf clubs commitment to the programme and the numbers of children they have introduced to golf is quite remarkable so it was very fitting for the club to host the royal visit.”

Mike Sangster is one of only six PGA Level 2 coaches in the UK. Along with four other Level 1 coaches at Tain he introduces the juniors who progress from the primary school game of firstclubgolf to Stage 1 coaching.

Said Mike: “Now that Tain Golf Club has appointed a full-time PGA Professional in Stuart Morrison, who is also a Scottish Golf Unions Academy Regional Coach, the player development pathway for juniors is complete from beginner all the way through to elite player.”

As Mike explained about clubgolf’s success to the guests, HRH watched a demonstration by primary pupils playing with firstclubgolf equipment.

The Prince then went on to meet more young budding golfers who demonstrated putting and chipping from the clubgolf stage 1 coaching programme before watching the stage 2 coaching sessions taking place from the new artificial mats and the newly installed triple bay practice nets. Stuart Morrison also showed how video analysis and computer software can be used to “fine-tune” swing techniques.

Tain juniors have their own two hole mini course that they progress to from the junior practice area where under adult supervision they learn how to play the game safely. Once they can go round the 2 holes twice within a score of 21 they can progress on the specially made nine junior tees on the 18 holes course where they play 1,2,3,4,5 and 15,16,17,18 for a 9 hole score. The bronze, silver , gold sections within the juniors is working well as the juniors gain promotion by virtue of their scores, their behaviour and their commitment to coaching nights.

As well as young golfers, HRH the Earl of Wessex chatted with several Intermediate Ladies Members who were introduced to the sport when dropping their children off for clubgolf coaching.

They had originally enquired about getting some lessons so they could join their children and play a few holes on the junior tees. This has grown beyond everyone’s expectations with now over 40 “ladies intermediate members” who pay half the full fee but only play half the full golf course.

This demonstrates that Tain Golf Club is growing the game of golf both as part of the national junior programme called clubgolf but are also now growing the game of adult golf as well.

Pitlochry golf Festival kick starts
new junior coaching programme

By ROB EYTON-JONES
clubgolf media manager
Mark Pirie, the PGA professional at Pitlochry Golf Club whose programme of offering free coaching in local primary schools this winter was little short of revolutionary, is taking strides to revitalise his club’s junior membership after running a successful festival last month.
The festival will kick start the club’s inaugural clubgolf course, run by Mr Pirie and his eight-strong team of PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches.
Emerging from Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland.
The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
Of the 48 children who attended the festival, six have already signed up for membership and coaching at the club. For £30 they will be entitled to weekly coaching and competitions for the whole 2008 season.
“The festival weekend was about planting the seed to entice more junior members to come to the club and get them involved on an active basis through the year,” said Mr Pirie.
“It went well with 48 kids coming along, the vast majority of which were non members. If any of them want to come and join then we’ll be delighted to see them.
“For £30 a year they will get everything under the sun. Every Monday from April to mid-September, there’ll be a competition and free coaching on a Tuesday night. It doesn’t matter what their level or ability is, we’ll cater for them.”
The clubgolf coaching programme at the club is the third stage of Mr Pirie’s masterplan to introduce the area’s children to golf.
In February and March, together with Active Schools Co-ordinator Karen Todd, he introduced 200 Perthshire primary school children in eight local schools to clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf.
During the winter he had recruited eight Pitlochry members to train as PGA Level 1 coaches to teach on a volunteer basis at the club.
“The schools coaching was a huge success,” he said. “Highland Perthshire is traditionally rugby for the boys and netball for the girls so for the schools to take it on board as well as they did was a great achievement.
“The three-stage plan has worked well so far. At the end of the season we will review it and see if we can do something similar. The more coaching we do with the children the more we are going to get playing.”
For information about Pitlochry Golf Club’s junior coaching contact Mark Pirie on:
Telephone: 01796 472792 E: pro@pitlochrygolf.co.uk

Official clubgolf wesbite: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Buchanan Castle GC Junior Open Day success

(Picture above: The Duke of Montrose with local children at Buchanan Castle Golf Club’s Open Day, by Steph Brown)

Buchanan Castle Golf Club, which joined forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf in 2007 attracted 68 children to its Open Day for children and their families on Sunday.

The Buchanan Castle course, near Drymen, is part of Montrose Estates. The Duke of Montrose, one of the United Kingdom's most senior politicians, is its managing director and attended the Open Day to meet the children and show his support.

Recognising an absence of golf facilities in the area that cater for golfers of all ages and abilities, the Club, near Drymen, has developed a six-hole course which it plans to increase to nine, and a dedicated short-game area.

"Over the last season we have created a six hole Academy course, set up for juniors and we will develop another three, so ultimately we will have a nine hole par 3 course with holes from 60 to 240 yards," said Keith Baxter, the Club's Head Golf Professional.

"We'll have a driving range as well this summer and we already have planning permission for covered bays too. It will be ideal for the kids and will give them a place they can come and develop their game without being intimidated on a big course. We hope this will create an environment where they can relax and enjoy it, remain playing golf and become full members."

By signing up for clubgolf, Mr Baxter along with his team of Golf Professionals and PGA qualified Level 1 Volunteer Coaches, can offer young golfers, particularly primary school-aged children who have experienced the programme's introductory game, firstclubgolf, in school, a golf coaching programme which could take them right up to area coaching level.

Sunday's Open Day was an opportunity to welcome children and families, giving them a taste of what the Academy has to offer.

"It was a fantastic day and it was nice to see everyone liked what we were trying to do," said Mr Baxter. "Sixty-eight kids came and 65 have signed up for coaching already. Not only were the kids excited but the parents were too and hopefully a few of them will come aboard. Katie Oman (clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager) put in a lot of hard work and clubgolf has been very supportive."

Although their main target is children that have experienced the firstclubgolf programme in school, the Club is also welcoming beginners and more established golfers alike.

"We are really keen to get the children in, get them started, encourage them and remove all the barriers in their way," said Mr Baxter. "We've started an Academy membership so children can join the wee course and use the practice facilities and the clubhouse. There's coaching included in the first year's membership so we can encourage and educate them.

"We're trying to get more families involved and since the Open Day, we've had people calling asking if they can attend. So word has got out.”

Said Katie Oman, clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager: "Not only is the model being created at Buchanan Castle GC very exciting for junior golf development and the local community, it is an example of good practice for other clubs to look at."

For information on Buchanan Castle GC please contact the pro shop on:

T: 01360 660330

Helensburgh juniors invited to Loch Lomond

clubgolf Press Release

Juniors at Helensburgh Golf Club who are receiving coaching through the national junior golf development programme, clubgolf, were given the most inspiring start to the new golf season after being invited to Loch Lomond Golf Club last week.

Helensburgh member and former Club Champion, Peter Haggerty, who is Assistant Superintendent on the spectacular, world famous course which hosts the Barclays Scottish Open, invited a dozen of the Club’s children and volunteer coaches.

“Peter knew we were doing clubgolf in Helensburgh and thought the children would enjoy the experience,” said Stewart Coutts, clubgolf Coordinator at Helensburgh.

“We were shown around the course, given an hour on the practice green where two holes had been cut for the kids to chip and putt on, then we had lunch in the clubhouse. They had a fantastic time and we’re very grateful to Loch Lomond for making us all so welcome.”

Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.

The 12 children who experienced Loch Lomond were part of Helensburgh’s clubgolf Stage 1 programme last summer. A 40-hour course taught by volunteer coaches over two years, Stage 1 covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.

Eleven Helensburgh members have been trained to coach on the PGA Level 1 programme. Last year’s Stage 1 children were all club members but, with clubgolf introductory game being made available to P5 children in local schools after Easter, the Club plans to open its doors to its community’s children this season.

“Last year we did the clubgolf coaching with our own young members, 10 and 11 year olds, who were just starting in golf and it was a great success,” said Mr Coutts.

“This summer we are hoping to take some of the children that have played the introductory game in school and want to progress.

"Unfortunately our practice facility at Helensburgh is very small but we are looking for other potential venues."

Buchanan Castle Golf Club Junior Open Day

clubgolf Press Release

Buchanan Castle Golf Club, which joined forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, this year to encourage children and their families to play golf, is holding an Open Day for juniors this Sunday (30 March) between 11am and 4pm.

Recognising an absence of facilities in the area, the Club, near Drymen, has developed a six-hole course, which it plans to increase to nine, and a dedicated short-game area.

“Over the last season we have created a six hole Academy course, set up for juniors and we will develop another three, so ultimately we will have a nine hole par 3 course with holes from 60 to 240 yards,” said Keith Baxter, the Club’s professional.

“We’ll have a driving range as well this summer and we already have planning permission for covered bays too.

“It will be ideal for the kids and will give them a place they can come and develop their game without being intimidated on a big course. We hope this will create an environment where they can relax and enjoy it, remain playing golf and become full members.”

By joining forces with clubgolf, Mr Baxter can offer young golfers, particularly primary school-aged children who have experienced the programme’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, in school, a golf coaching programme which could take them right up to area coaching level.

This Sunday’s Open Day is an opportunity to welcome children and families, giving them a taste of what the Academy has to offer.

“The Open Day is primarily for children coming through the schools looking to progress, but if people come that are a bit more established or that are complete beginners we will be delighted to see them,” said Mr Baxter.

“We’ve started an Academy membership so children can join the wee course and use the practise facilities and the clubhouse. There’s coaching included in the first year’s membership so we can encourage and educate them.”

For information on Buchanan Castle GC and this weekend’s Open Day please contact the pro shop on Tel: 01360 660330.

clubgolf at Melville Golf Centre

Melville Golf Centre Open Day for junior golfers in Midlothian

Melville Golf Centre, which has signed up to the national junior golf development programme, clubgolf, is holding an Open Day for juniors on Saturday 29 March (from 10.00am to 1.00pm).

The Open Day will include putting and pitching lessons for boys and girls. There will be free competitions for children aged between eight and twelve years old, and an opportunity to win a free place on the Centre’s clubgolf Summer Term programme and free rounds of golf at Melville Golf Course, starting 12 April.

“We are hoping that around 100 children will come along for the morning,” said Centre Manager, Alastair Macfarlane.

“This would be ideal for primary school children that are having clubgolf coaching at school this coming term and are looking to progress to the next stage.”

Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to golf.

Melville Golf Centre joined clubgolf last year and to two of its members are PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches. Together with the Centre’s PGA professional, they will be running clubgolf Stage 1 coaching programmes this summer.

“We started clubgolf a year ago and before that we were with the Golf Foundation for nine years,” said Mr Macfarlane

“We are a family centre so we have all the facilities set up for children and we have a pro that is committed to coaching the children.

“We are hoping to get as many children as many as possible to our coaching over the spring and summer so the Open Day will be an opportunity for them to get out and join the fun.”

For information on the Open Day and classes starting April 12th please contact:

Alastair MacFarlane, Melville Golf Centre, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AN
Tel: 0131 663 8038

New programme puts Western
Isles juniors in the swing

A new programme designed to give youngsters in the Western Isles an opportunity to develop an interest in golf and adopt a more active lifestyle was launched in Stornoway today.
The Western Isles Junior Golf Action Plan is linked to Scotland’s National Junior Golf Development programme, clubgolf, a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, Professional Golfers Association, The Golf Foundation and sportscotland that aims to create the opportunity for every child to experience golf by age nine, and to increase junior participation in golf in Scotland.
The Western Isles Junior Golf Action Plan aims to help up to 500 youngsters experience clubgolf’s introductory game, in school, over the next two years.
Ultimately this will result in more junior members at golf clubs, increase the number of girls playing golf, and create a facility infrastructure for golf development which supports increased participation at club level.
Said Tony Wade, Team Leader Active Schools/Sports Development: “This is the perfect opportunity to get youngsters involved in a new sport that they could sustain for the rest of their life.
“Through the Western Isles Junior Golf Action Plan there is a strong link between the schools and their local clubs. The youngsters that enjoy the schools programme can progress to a local club that they can go to and a pathway for them to develop their skills.”
Launched by former Open champion Paul Lawrie, firstclubgolf uses multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets to give nine year olds an enjoyable and safe first experience of the game within the boundaries of the school. In 2007 alone, 26,000 nine year olds in Scotland were introduced to golf through firstclubgolf.
Last week, Primary 5 children at Stornoway and Laxdale Primary Schools were among the first in the Western Isles to start the 2008 schools clubgolf programme. Last year over 200 primary pupils experienced firstclubgolf in school time.
“The equipment is top notch, it’s very self-explanatory and the kids have taken to it,” said PE Teacher, David MacLeod, who is teaching firstclubgolf to the schools’ children each week.
“With three or four golfing activities running at the same time it’s a good way of having lots of kids active and involved.
“I’m a golfer with a strong interest in the game but I’m sure that a non-golfer could be confident of giving a lesson with this equipment.”
At the end of their introduction to firstclubgolf, children will have the opportunity to develop their skills at a local club hosting Stage 1 of the clubgolf programme. Taught by qualified PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches over two years, Stage 1 is a 40 hour course employing real golf equipment and covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.
“The critical bit for us is having coaches who can deliver the programme within the clubs,” said Tony Wade.
“Several of our golf club members have been on PGA Level 1 coaching courses on Lewis and in the Southern Isles within the last 18 months so we already have a good core of qualified coaches.”
Golf clubs in Lewis, the Uists, Benbecula and Askernich have signed up to clubgolf and will be running coaching programmes this summer. One, the Isle of Harris Golf Club, completed its first clubgolf Stage 1 course last autumn.
“We had a very small and not very active junior membership,” said club member and PE teacher, Hugh MacLean. “It was to address this that we decided to get a couple of clubgolf Level 1 coaches and bring as many juniors up as possible.
“Our first group of children have responded well to the coaching. Some of them came from as far as Tarbert, 12 miles away, and Scalpay, 15 miles away, so they were very keen. The majority are from non-golf backgrounds so this was their introduction to golf and they thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The launch of the Western Isles Junior Golf Action Plan coincides with two other exciting golf developments on the Islands.
The Askernish Golf Club, with its Old Tom Morris course, on South Uist is undergoing a substantial refurbishment that will attract people from around the world.
Sportscotland has awarded £35,000 towards building a driving range to be sited at Back Football & Recreation Club. This will go a long way towards growing the game in the Western Isles and, as a covered area, it will give a base for a visiting PGA Professional to work from.
Bill Miller, Chair of clubgolf, who attended the launch, said: “I am delighted to see the progress clubgolf is making in the Western Isles. In 2007 we saw significant developments across Scotland, with 26,000 children receiving an introduction to golf. By establishing sustainable coaching programmes and welcoming more boys and girls into golf, the Western Isles has proved we have a quality programme that offers truly national coverage.”

Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager
t: 07775 746981
Official clubgolf website: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Palacerigg Open Day for juniors

Palacerigg Golf Club, which has signed up to the national junior golf development programme, clubgolf, to make the game accessible to local children is a holding Come and Try day for juniors on April 6.
Free coaching sessions will take place at the club from 10.00am-12.00 noon and 1.00-3.00pm. All equipment will be provided free of charge.
“Anyone aged between 10 and 17 years old who wants to come and try the game will be more than welcome,” said the Club’s junior convenor and volunteer coach, Frank Anderson.
“We’ll be doing putting, chipping and full swing session and we hope to have a blow up driving range as a side show.
“I’ve met the local Active Schools Co-ordinators who are promoting the Come and Try day in local schools and we have had a lot of interest from the children who attended last week’s Cumbernauld Schools' Tri-Golf Festival.”
Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to golf.
Palacerigg signed up for clubgolf to reverse the decline of its junior membership. Two of its members have been trained to on the PGA Level 1 course and are planning to run a junior coaching programme for local children this summer.
“Our junior membership has run down to the point where we only have seven,” said Frank. “So our Come and Try day is a great opportunity to encourage newcomers, particularly those that have never played the game, to come along.
“Parents are very welcome to stay and watch and after the coaching there will be an opportunity for the children to join the club and receive coaching throughout the summer.
“We’ve got a two-year plan of coaching sessions organised so now we just need the kids to teach.”
For further information or to book a session please contact:
Junior Convenor, Frank Anderson on:
T: 07939 280 852 or email Palaceriggjuniors@blueyonder.co.uk

Juniors to benefit as Reay Golf Club
wins facility development award

(Picture to be displayed shortly – Ian Ross, club Captain (left) and Graeme Dunnett, Project/Course Manager (right) examining plans for the new junior facility)

Reay Golf Club, at the forefront of developing junior golf in its local community, has secured an Awards for All lottery grant to develop a three-hole junior practice facility.
The award - for £9790 - will enable the club to expand and develop a patch of waste ground currently used by its senior members for practice. The new facility will comprise a three hole-course with new tees, greens and bunkers. In addition a large bunker will have bays so that as many as six children can practise in safety at one time.
“The club is delighted to receive this award,” said Graeme Dunnett, project/course manager, former club captain and chairman of the Caithness & North Sutherland Junior Golf Partnership when the project was initiated in 2006.
“We are in gratitude to Sandside Estate for their support and continued commitment for the development of this facility and junior golf on the Sandside links”
Four years ago Reay was one of the first clubs in Scotland to implement the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, the partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland.
Emerging from Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
“This facility will be of particular advantage to the youngsters, who would really benefit from having their own dedicated and safe environment, away from the hazards that are present on any golf course,” said Mr Dunnett.
“Not only do we encourage juniors at the club through clubgolf, we actively get involved with coaching in the schools and encourage the continuation by inviting school parties with their teachers to the course. We will continue this commitment by making the new facility available to interested parties.”
Reay’s clubgolf programme listed 96 juniors last year. Over half of them are from non-golfing families and 30% are girls - encouraging statistics for the future of golf in the north.
The club’s junior convener, Kevin McLeod, co-ordinates the weekly junior section sessions with support from a volunteer PGA Level 2 coach and a team of seven PGA Level 1 coaches. Approximately 20 club members and parents, who have all been vetted by Disclosure Scotland, support the coaching.
“A tremendous amount of effort has gone into preparing the Awards for All application,” said Ian Ross, club captain. “Now we have been successful we can start progressing this facility which I am sure will be an asset for the juniors and the course as a whole.”
Work is due to start on the new facility this spring. Contractors will handle the technical aspects, such as improving the road surface to facilitate disabled access. Dedicated resources will be commissioned to execute manual tasks such as fence building, tees, greens and bunker construction.
The golf club will provide resource to manage the project and manpower for specific identified tasks. Indigenous materials will be used wherever possible to make the facility aesthetically pleasing as well as being sympathetic to environmental issues.
“A condition on the Awards for All grant is to have the project completed by March 2009,” added Mr Dunnett. “But I would hope that we could be in a position by the end of this summer season, around September, to officially open the facility for use.”
Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager

Official clubgolf wesbite: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Mark Pirie teaching children clubgolf at Pitlochry School

PITLOCHRY PRO MARK PIRIE GIVING
PRIMARY LESSONS IN PERTHSHIRE

Two hundred Perthshire primary school children in eight local schools are being introduced to golf on the curriculum this term as part of the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, which seeks to give every Scottish nine year old an experience of the game.
Whilst the programme is rolling out across hundreds of schools in Scotland, the main difference in the Perthshire schools is that it is the local PGA Pro, not the school staff, giving children their first lesson.
Mark Pirie, the pro at Pitlochry Golf Club since 2003, and formerly assistant pro at Craigie Hill and Crieff, has seized the initiative and is teaching the basics in primary schools at Blair Atholl, Breadalbane, Glenlyon, Grantully, Kinloch Rannoch, Logierait, Pitlochry and Struan...and all in his spare time.
“I’ve done a lot of work with juniors at previous golf clubs and here at Pitlochry we see juniors as the lifeblood of the club,” said Mr Pirie.
“Kids are great fun to work with because they’re very keen to learn, they give you lots of feedback, take on board what you are saying and they go away and do it. So on the back of the Government backed clubgolf programme we are keen to outreach the kids in Highland Perthshire.
“Some of them will never have seen a golf club in their life but if we can give them an introduction then hopefully a few will take up the game seriously. If they do then it’s going to benefit everybody.”
Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
clubgolf’s introductory game (which in 2007 was experienced by 26,000 children in Scotland) uses modified equipment - colourful clubs with special grips and oversized heads and targets - to give children in primary schools an enjoyable first impression of the game.
“This Tri-Golf gear is very well designed for children that have never held a club and the equipment comes with game cards which have a lot of different games so there is variety and you can adapt them to make the game easier or harder,” said Mr Pirie, who on Monday, together with Karen Todd, Active Schools Co-ordinator for the Breadalbane and Pitlochry schools cluster, completed the first lap of one hour lessons in the seven schools.
“We are looking for them to have fun and enjoyment; the kids have been very keen to be involved and they are picking it up very easily.”
With an overwhelming reception from the children and their schools, a second hour of coaching in each school will begin next week. To ensure the programme will be self sustaining, Mr Pirie will train staff at each school to enable them to teach a further four hours of the programme.
“Karen Todd has been a fantastic help in pushing to get golf onto the curriculum,” said Mr Pirie. “We are traditionally a rugby and netball area so to get golf into schools at this time of the year is remarkable.
“The schools are receptive and the teachers are keen to be involved and teach something new. We now need to enrol the teachers into the programme so they can teach it themselves between now and the summer holidays.”
For the 200 children, the in-school introduction is just the start. Eight Pitlochry Golf Club members have been trained to deliver Stage 1 of the clubgolf development pathway at the club. On the 29th and 30th March, the first weekend of the school holidays, the club has organised a children’s Festival.
“We are targeting junior non-members so they can see what it’s all about at the club and we’ll show them putting, chipping and iron and wood play. Hopefully it will entice them to come along for coaching,” said Mr Pirie.
“It will run both days from 12 noon until 3.00pm and will be free of charge. We’re hoping for 120 children both days and they’ll need to contact us in advance to book. It will be a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and we are hoping parents will stay on site to be involved or watch from the clubhouse.
“Obviously long term we’d all love to find the next Open champion that comes from Perthshire, but what we are really looking for is to give the juniors an enjoyable introduction that will hopefully plant the seed for life.”
To book a place at the golf festival contact Mark Pirie on:
T: 01796 472792 E: pro@pitlochrygolf.co.uk

Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager

Junior golf festival for Cumbernauld kids

One hundred primary school children from Cumbernauld and Kilsyth are gearing themselves up for this Friday’s Cumbernauld Schools' Tri-Golf Festival at Tryst Leisure Centre.
The schools involved are Condorrat Primary School, St Michael's Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, Abronhill Primary School and Chapelgreen Primary School. All the children have experienced an introduction to golf at school as part of the clubgolf North Lanarkshire golf initiative.
“For the past two years we have been concentrating on grass root development to ensure that every local primary school in North Lanarkshire will have had an opportunity to experience golf,” said Festival organiser, Jim Moffat from North Lanarkshire Leisure.
“The local schools have received a block of six one hour lessons in school and to ensure there will be an outcome we have given teachers the opportunity to attend a coaching course. The schools were presented with a complete Tri-Golf kit to leave a legacy so they can continue to develop it in school or in afterschool clubs.
“The aim of the Festival is to take the kids out of the school environment and give them the opportunity to have some fun and celebrate their achievement.”
For the children at the Festival this could be just the start of their golf careers. Nearby Palacerigg Golf Club has signed up to the national junior golf development programme, clubgolf, and two of its members have been trained to deliver Stage 1 of the development pathway.
Emerging out of Scotland’s successful bid to host the Ryder Cup, clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The programme has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to golf.
“Our junior membership has run down to the point where we only have seven, so the Festival is a great opportunity to invite them to our Come and Try day on the 6th April,” said the Club’s Junior Convenor and volunteer coach, Frank Anderson, who will attend the Festival to drum up support.
“I’ve met the local Active Schools Co-ordinators who are promoting the Come and Try day in local schools. I’ve got a two year plan of coaching sessions once a week at the club to encourage the kids.
“Anyone aged between 10 and 17 years old who wants to come and try the game will be more than welcome.”
The Cumbernauld Schools' Tri-Golf Festival will take place at Tryst Leisure Centre from 9.30am-11.40am.

Junior Flag Series aimed at encouraging
Central Scotland children to play golf

A new series of four competitions, designed to encourage the area's children to take part in golf competitions, has been launched to run throughout the golf season at venues across Central Scotland this year.
Starting at Clackmannanshire's Muckhart Golf Club on March 30, the Junior Flag Golf Series is the brainchild of the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf, in partnership with Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling and West Lothian Councils, local golf clubs and Auchterlonies of St Andrews (Stirling branch).
Its aim is to encourage children who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to participate in golf competitions by providing high quality, regular events at their own level.
Although it is targeting pre-handicap juniors who are participating in clubgolf Stage 1 and Stage 2 coaching at the local golf clubs in Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and West Lothian, there will also be a category for juniors with a recognised golf handicap.
Each event will run in the form of a par-3 flag competition, with three categories based on ability. Local authority staff will organise the events with support from the host golf club and volunteers from other golf clubs.
Auchterlonies of St Andrews Golf Shop (Stirling branch) have kindly agreed to sponsor the 2008 Junior Flag Golf Series and will provide prizes in each category. Every child who takes part will also receive a memento to mark their participation.
Alongside the competitions, it is hoped that a national squad golfer will attend each event to provide coaching clinics throughout the day.
2008 Junior Flag Golf Series dates and venues:
March 30 - Clackmannanshire (Muckhart Golf Club) Contact - Ryan Martin, Sports Development Officer, Clackmannanshire Council on 01259 222355
June 15 - Falkirk (Callendar Park Par 3) Contact - Alistair Mitchell, Sports Development Officer, Falkirk Council on 01324 506938
September 7 - West Lothian (Binny Golf Course) Contact - Matt Costello, Active Schools Co-ordinator, West Lothian Council on 01506 881461
October 5 - Stirling (Airthrey Golf Course, University of Stirling) Contact - Active Stirling Sports Development on 01786 432323

Rob Eyton-Jones
t: 07775 746981
e: rob@eyton-jones.co.uk

clubgolf doubles up at Scottish Golf Show

Junior golfers visiting the 2008 Scottish Golf Show will be pleased to learn that the clubgolf junior golf area has doubled in size compared to last year.
Scotland’s national junior golf programme, clubgolf, will host a junior golf area at the show, giving many youngsters the chance to experience golf for the first time in a safe environment.
The Scottish Golf Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, near Edinburgh, on April 4-6. All children under the age of 16 are guaranteed free entry if accompanied by a paying adult.
Launched by Colin Montgomerie in 2003, clubgolf has been a huge success, with 26,000 nine-year-olds introduced to the sport in 2007 alone.
Torquil McInroy, clubgolf Project Manager, said: “The Scottish Golf Show gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase clubgolf, Scotland’s national junior golf programme, to Scotland’s golfers.
“We’ll have golf activities for young golfers visiting the show as well as the chance for parents and other golfers to see how they can get involved with our volunteer coaching programme.
“clubgolf has been a part of the Scottish Golf Show since the first event and we look forward to working at the biggest and best one yet!”
Ross Duncan, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager at the Scottish Golf Union, said: “The Scottish Golf Union is delighted to be involved with the 2008 Scottish Golf Show following the success of our activity at last year’s event. Once again clubgolf will be running the junior golf area and we will have some fantastic prizes to give away.
“We look forward to many golfers visiting our stand for information on SGU national events and handicap championships, our new website and much, much more.”
For the latest updates on the Scottish Golf Show,www.thescottishgolfshow.co.uk
uk
Official clubgolf wesbite: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Paul Lawrie gives golf equipment
to Aberdeenshire schools

Paul Lawrie is spearheading the drive to put golf clubs in the hands of every child in Aberdeenshire after handing over golf equipment worth £5000 to local schools today.
Three years ago the 1999 Open Champion launched firstclubgolf, the national junior golf strategy clubgolf’s introductory game. In March 2005 he unveiled the Aberdeenshire clubgolf Junior Golf Strategy, created by the partnership of Aberdeenshire Council, The Paul Lawrie Foundation and clubgolf, at Aspire Golf Centre.
The Paul Lawrie Foundation continued its commitment to Aberdeenshire junior golf today by giving its third annual instalment of £5,000 worth of firstclubgolf equipment. Paul also found time to watch the children of Kintore Primary School begin their firstclubgolf lessons.
firstclubgolf uses multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets to give children an enjoyable introduction to the game. Last year over 26,000 children across Scotland experienced firstclubgolf, many of them choosing to progress to the second stage of the programme at local clubs.

This year alone, clubgolf aims to introduce 2580 Aberdeenshire primary school children to golf through firstclubgolf at school.

These children will have the opportunity to move on to Stage 1 of the clubgolf programme at one of the 24 Aberdeenshire clubs committed to the strategy. One hundred and seventy four Aberdeenshire golf club members have become trained to deliver Stage 1 of the programme. A further 25 are due to be trained early this year.

“clubgolf is proving to be extremely popular with the young people of Aberdeenshire and the sound structure of the Aberdeenshire Junior Golf Strategy is giving more children than ever the opportunity to play the game,” said Paul Lawrie.

“By providing this equipment every primary school in Aberdeenshire will have the opportunity to use golf clubs, targets and balls which will allow every child the chance to have an introduction to the game of golf.

“clubgolf has the potential to introduce children to a game for life, promoting good health and instilling important social values. It also offers a structured programme which could guide complete beginners through every level up to the professional game.”

Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf Media Manager

Official clubgolf website: www.clubgolfscotland.com

Active schools co-ordinators and West Lothian school staff during the firstclubgolf training by Matt Costello. Click on the image to enlarge it.

clubgolf to be introduced in 55 West
Lothian primary schools this year

The drive to introduce every nine-year-old in West Lothian’s 67 primary schools to the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf, gathered further momentum this month when 27 school staff from 19 local schools became trained to deliver the programme to their P5 classes.
West Lothian Council Active Schools Co-ordinator for the West Calder cluster, Matt Costello, who a year ago trained 30 local teachers to teach clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, coached the 27 new recruits.
VERY POSITIVE RESPONSE
“We had a very positive response from all the teachers and many came from schools that haven’t delivered clubgolf before,” he said. “Having done the training they seem keen to get going and we are ready to start delivering bags of golf equipment to their schools.
clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland. The strategy has been developed as a direct result of the Scottish Executive's commitment to introduce every nine-year-old child in Scotland to the game.
Following clubgolf’s six-week firstclubgolf course, which employs modifie