PGA Tutor George Finlayson (right) and
eight Level 1 coach candidates enjoy some autumn sunshine
in Lerwick, picture by Bob Kerr
Shetland
junior golf to benefit from new coaches
With almost 80 juniors now
playing golf in Shetland, the next stage of the sport’s
growth got underway this weekend, as eight more local golfers
trained as coaches through clubgolf. Experienced tutor
and PGA Professional, George Finlayson, from Fife, returned
to deliver the training course in Lerwick on Saturday and
Sunday.
Since
the first group of clubgolf volunteer coaches qualified in
April 2006, Shetland and Whalsay Golf Clubs have seen their
junior sections expand rapidly. Both clubs have signed
up to clubgolf to encourage more youngsters into the sport,
with the support of Shetland Islands Council.
Coaches
who qualify after this weekend’s course will be able
to support the existing group of coaches who have given up
many hours this summer to lead golf sessions for youngsters
in the sport. Mr Finlayson will also be
back in Shetland early in 2008 to provide some advanced follow-up
training before the start of next year's golf season. Both
Shetland and Whalsay Golf Clubs have recently applied to
sportscotland to obtain funds to develop dedicated facilities
for juniors, including practice greens and chipping areas.
Alan
Harcus, Junior Convenor at Shetland Golf Club commented – “It
is great to see so many enthusiastic kids attending the coaching
sessions at the two clubs. Without keen adult helpers and
volunteer coaches, it would be impossible to offer such a
fantastic service.”
The
clubgolf strategy includes the introduction of junior golf
in primary schools, through the ‘firstclubgolf’ programme,
using specially modified clubs. In Shetland, firstclubgolf
was delivered to over 160 primary pupils in 2006/7, through
the Council’s Active Schools Programme.
Willie
MacKay, clubgolf manager for Highlands and Islands
said, “The transition for youngsters from school
golf to coaching at golf clubs in Shetland has exceeded
all expectations. The
success of the programme is largely
down to the commitment of all the local coaches who have
volunteered their time to bring juniors into the sport.”
The
junior golf programme in Shetland is a partnership between
clubgolf, Shetland Golf Club, Whalsay Golf Club and the Sport & Leisure
Service of Shetland Islands Council.
