clubgolf festival supports Broomieknowe junior drive

May 2010

A new clubgolf festival held at Midlothian’s Hopefield Primary School for 100 children from five local primary schools could inspire many of the area’s P5 children to take up the game for life at local clubs.

Organised by Active Schools and the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, the festival gave the children an introduction to the game.

“The event ran smoothly and was attended by 100 children who all had the opportunity to try a variety of different golfing stations,” said Scott Montgomery, Active Schools Co-ordinator (Lasswade Cluster).

“These schools are already introducing their children to golf through clubgolf’s introductory game but some have restricted space. The festival gave them the opportunity to complete the course and learn techniques such as full swing.”

Helping ensure the festival ran smoothly were qualified volunteer coaches from nearby Broomieknowe Golf Club, which is offering clubgolf coaching through the summer.

The club already has a strong junior section - two of its junior girls, Kate McIntosh and Hannah Scott, will be playing in this week’s Scottish Ladies Championship at Craigielaw – but members and the committee want to ensure that more junior are joining at the lower age groups.

A year ago Broomieknowe trained four members to deliver clubgolf coaching. Half the original intake of 16 children have already signed up for this summer’s coaching which will resume on Monday 31 May. Many more children are expected from local primary schools that have been offering clubgolf’s introductory game this term.

“We are doing clubgolf to give something back to golf and it’s something that will benefit the club in the long term,” said Ellice Cackett, clubgolf coordinator at the club.

“It’s early days yet but it’s encouraging to see that eight of the children from last year’s course have come back and one has already joined as a member.

“This was the first time we have been involved in a festival. We handed out flyers to the children to encourage them to try out the game with coaching at the club.”

Like other clubs in the area, Broomieknowe Golf Club provides Scott Montgomery the perfect exit route for children enjoying the game at school to develop in a sport for life.

“Having four Broomieknowe members helping at the festival was an excellent way of encouraging the children to go along to the club and continue coaching,” he said.

“Thanks to all involved: the Broomieknowe members and captain for their commitment and enthusiasm; Laura Rushby from clubgolf for organising the games and for her presence on the day; Iain Holt, clubgolf coordinator from Turnhouse Golf Club for his help; and the members of staff for bringing the children to the event.”

Broomieknowe’s clubgolf starts on 31 May. Coaching costs £3 per child for an hour and a half. All equipment will be provided.

For more information about Broomieknowe clubgolf coaching please contact the club on:

Tel: 0131 663 9317
Email: administrator@broomieknowe.com

For more information about how you or your club can get involved with clubgolf contact:
Laura Rushby, clubgolf’s East Regional Manager on:
Email: lrushby@clubgolfscotland.co.uk