clubgolf
is a key component of Scotland’s national strategy
for junior golf. Launched on the Scottish Executive’s
pledge to create an opportunity for every child in Scotland
to experience golf, the programme is now well established
and growing every year.
clubgolf emerged out of
Scotland’s successful bid to
host the Ryder Cup, and has been developed under a partnership
between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies’ Golfing
Association, the Professional Golfers’ Association, the
Golf Foundation and sportscotland. It is funded by the Scottish
Executive through sportscotland.
clubgolf provides an innovative approach
that will introduce new children to golf and challenge clubs
to adopt a coaching culture. It achieves its goals through
the efforts of existing club members, and draws on well-established
traditions and infrastructures to ensure the sport’s
future is in the right hands.
clubgolf has arrived at a time when the average age of Scottish
golfers is over 50, and many clubs have seen waiting lists disappear
or membership numbers fall. Clubs across the country have recognised
the need to welcome the next generation of Scottish golfers, and
more than 1,000 volunteer coaches at around 200 clubs and golf
facilities are already delivering the clubgolf programme.
clubgolf will roll out
nationwide in 2009. By that time every nine-year-old will have an
opportunity to experience the introductory game firstclubgolf, played
at school with modified equipment.
Children can choose to
progress to the next phase, clubgolf Stage 1, delivered by fully
trained volunteer coaches at local golf clubs. Stage 1 involves 40
hours of coaching delivered over two years, and covers the fundamentals
of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette. Progression
through Stage 1 and subsequent stages encourages all children to
develop their potential while being welcomed into a golf club, and
provides access to a structured Player Pathway.
clubgolf is backed
by Scotland’s leading golfers
including Catriona Matthew, Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle, and Colin Montgomerie.
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