Larbert eight year old Murray Johnston

Hole in one for Larbert eight year old

Shooting a hole in one is every golfer’s dream but one which materialises rarely.  For it to happen to a primary school-aged beginner is highly unlikely – except if your name is Murray Johnston.

Last week, the Larbert eight year old dazzled his coach and clubgolf class mates by achieving the feat on Callender Park’s Par 3 course’s 95 yard sixth hole.  Amazingly this happened during only his fourth lesson.

“Our nine children were playing a few holes at the end of the lesson,” said clubgolf Level 1 volunteer coach, John Cummings, who takes the weekly coaching.

“Murray hit a five iron perfectly down the hill, it hit the green and went straight in the hole.  You could see from about 20 yards it was going to go in.  It was a brilliant shot, a perfect strike and he hit it so sweetly. 

“The reaction from the group was amazing, mine was probably the loudest.”

Before this week Murray’s best golf experience was a hole in three at Crieff. 

“It was brilliant to get a hole in one,” he said with a toothy grin.  To make sure the memory stays with him the group signed a congratulations card and Mr Cummings bought him a tiger head cover for his driver.

 “We run three clubgolf courses here each week and Murray just started this year,” said Mr Cummings.  “He has good rhythm, is very interested in the game and listens carefully to everything you teach him.

“He’s a great wee guy and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.”

For Falkirk children wishing to follow in Murray’s footsteps and get involved in the game this summer, the opportunities have never been better.

Falkirk Council’s Sports Development unit offer clubgolf Stage 1 Year 1 and Stage 1 Year 2 classes for participants aged between eight and 14 years.

Additionally, four firstclubgolf (the strategy’s introductory game) and two intensive (over 2 weeks) Stage 1 Year 1 clubgolf classes are planned as part of Sports Development’s Summer Holiday Programme.

Details on classes are available from www.falkirkonline.net , by telephoning 01324 503732 or by collecting a booklet from a local sports centre.

Further information about clubgolf classes is available from Alistair Mitchell, Sports Development Officer, on t: 01324 503732 or e: alistair.mitchell@falkirk.gov.uk