Pupils at Whins of Milton School enjoy the clubgolf demonstration

Whins of Milton Primary demonstration

A regional initiative conceived to give every child with a learning, physical or sensory disability in Forth Valley the opportunity to experience golf in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools from 2009, is well on Par.

This spring, teaching staff at Stirling's Whins of Milton Primary School embarked on clubgolf's first Training for SEN course, equipping them to deliver the national junior golf  strategy's introductory game to their children.

Launched by Paul Lawrie, firstclubgolf uses multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberized balls and Velcro targets to give children an exciting introduction to the game.  

The school's teachers wasted no time putting their new skills into practice. All of the school's children have since received two months of golf coaching, culminating in a demonstration to clubgolf staff this month.

"The children love the equipment and using such professional materials gives them a sense of responsibility," said the school's Assistant Head, Rhoda McDougall. 

"Having clubs of such high quality, and bright and colourful flags and targets gives the children an added incentive to use the equipment."

Open, grassy fields directly opposite the school provide the perfect location for the children to practice and develop their skills.  So motivated are the children that some have even begun showing the teachers how to play.

"After using the equipment over the last couple of months, they're starting to show some real skills," said Mrs McDougall.  "Some of our staff aren't experienced golfers and can't play at the same level as the kids.  So it's really nice to see the children showing them how to hold the club and get round the course."

Providing a continuation to golf through opportunities in the local community is a key element in the programme.  The next stage in the SEN clubgolf programme will be hosted by nearby Brucefields Family Golf Centre.  A clubgolf centre with access for people with disabilities, Brucefields' professional coaching staff are experienced in working with children who have additional support needs.  During a modified version of the clubgolf Stage 1 coaching programme, the children will use real equipment and cover the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.

 "We are all looking forward to introducing our children to Brucefields where they can develop their skills further out with the schools programme along with their families," added Mrs McDougall.