Powfoot juniors progress
through winter

March 2010

Sitting on the edge of the Solway Firth, Powfoot Golf Club is extremely popular with visitors between March and October but slightly quieter during the winter months.

Seeing an opportunity for its juniors during the November to February period, the club’s four Level 1 coaches, 16 volunteer helpers in conjunction with Dumfries and County Assistant Pro, Adam Aitken, decided to introduce a very structured junior development programme,

“Winter may not be everyone’s ideal choice for junior coaching,” said Margaret Mannall, volunteer coach and Junior Development Committee member.

“But with the Powfoot club members willing to give up the back five holes on the course, the eight bay driving range, chipping area and putting green as well as the newly constructed four hole course for two hours from 8am to 10am on a Saturday morning, the coaching squad decided to go for it.”

The club’s 46 Young ‘Chipper’ members range from seven to 11 years old. All were prepared to brave the winter elements to learn and improve their game.

“We put a 10 week programme in and an almost 100 percent turn out every week proves it was well worthwhile,” said Margaret.

“Every one of these children, especially with the snow and bitter cold conditions this winter, is a winner in their own right.”

Powfoot has made an enormous commitment to develop its junior section and was one of the first clubs to sign up to clubgolf. In 2009 it was a runner up in the Dunfermline Building Society Junior Club of the Year Awards. Children are introduced to the game in local primary schools through clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf.

“Golf is becoming very popular in Annandale and Eskdale and is attracting children from non golfing backgrounds as well as stirring up new adult members from among the parents who were once golfers and had forgotten they could play,” said Margaret.

“Club members all welcome this breath of fresh air into the club and often donate clubs, balls, medals and trophies to ensure costs are kept minimal for the participants.

“During the summer months the members again give up the practice facilities and four hole course on Thursday nights so coaching can keep going.

“Every year we have new players that we coach on the range and surrounding areas. Others move on to the four hole course, and those with immediate promise or a year’s experience tackle the back five holes on the course, learning etiquette, scoring, club selection and line of putt.

“This year is the eighth of the coaching school and interest has never been keener. We always have a waiting list and to accommodate more young players we advise the top 10 or so players each year to move to full junior membership.

“Everyone benefits and as a result junior membership grows year on year. It’s very positive for Powfoot Golf Club’s future.”