The opening of Strathpeffer GC's new junior facilities
New Strathpeffer incentive for young
golfers
Budding
Ross-shire golfers will have better opportunities than ever
to take up the game after the opening of a new junior practice
facility at Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club today (Friday 29 June).
Founded in 1888, designed by Tom Morris,
the “grand old man of golf”, and considered widely
to be one of the moist scenic courses in northern Scotland,
the Club has kept ahead of the times by signing up to the national
junior golf strategy, clubgolf.
It wasn’t long before the demand
from new juniors grew to the point where they needed a dedicated
practice area. With full backing from the Club’s
committee, clubgolf’s Highland Regional Manager, Willie
MacKay invited clubgolf Facility Manager, Martin Bowie north,
to make recommendations.
Last November, after securing a £10,000
Awards from All grant, the advice was taken on board by Greens
Convenor Philip Bannerman and newly appointed Head Green keeper,
Michael Wilson and the modernisation process began.
“Before
we had just a bit of grass as a practice area for the members,” said
Phillip Bannerman, who opened the new facilities with Martin
Bowie and Willie MacKay.
“With
the grant we developed a new green and two bunkers in that
area, we levelled areas for two eight meter long mats and
created another area for a double bay driving net with
mats. Last summer we cleared a big scrub area, making
three small holes for the juniors - one 90 yards and two
150 yards long. The green staff have kept working
on it and the grass is growing now.
“It
means the juniors have a dedicated area on which they can
develop their skills before progressing to the main course.”
It
was the Club’s junior convenor, Wendy Crosley, who
submitted the successful application to Awards for All. She
is supported in her efforts to encourage newcomers by three
volunteer coaches who have been through PGA Level 1 training,
together with a further helper. The older children
in the Club’s 65 strong junior section play an active
role in taking youngsters around the course.
“Our
volunteer coaches, Michael MacNab, Scott
Cameron and George Spark each take two classes a week,” said
Mrs Crosley. “We started the coaching last
year but it’s been this year that things have really
taken off and we have 24 children being coached.
“Before
the new practice area we were very limited to what you
could do. But now we have a really good area and kids love
it.
Martin
Bowie, clubgolf's Facilities Manager, said, "Strathpeffer
is one of a growing number of clubs looking to offer more
for its younger members and we are delighted to support
them develop their junior facilities.
“Juniors
are the future of the game and it is vital we provide better
facilities for them to learn and sustain their progress. This
is exactly the type of project clubgolf wants to promote
and the practice facilities now in place will give local
children the opportunity to develop their skills for years
to come.”
Willie
MacKay, clubgolf’s Highland Regional Manager said: “Pupils
from Strathpeffer, Conon Bridge, Dingwall Primary Schools,
as well as other smaller primaries, now have a junior golf
facility in their home area.
“PE
teacher, Trish Fraser and Active Schools Co-ordintor, Dawn
Fraser have rolled out firstclubgolf to all their primary
schools and the youngsters have a coaching structure and
a special facility where they can learn the basics of golf. This
will stand the test of time, add greatly to the communities
as well as contribute to our Healthier Highland initiative. When
better to open a new golf facility than on the first day
of the school summer holidays?”
