Golf clubs encourage youngsters to try the sport

Jul 10 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO county golf clubs are playing a major part in the success of a nationwide programme aimed at encouraging more children to take up the sport.

The Carluke and Hollandbush clubs have backed sthe Clubgolf scheme in a bid to reverse a decline in junior memberships.

Through the scheme, Carluke now have five PGA Level 1 coaches and Hollandbush four. Between the two clubs, hundreds of youngsters are being taught the basics of golf through the introductory firstclubgolf scvheme.

Clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, Professional Golfers’ Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland, which aims to create an opportunity for every child to have experienced the sport by age nine, and to encourage junior participation.

Supported by South Lanarkshire Leisure, firstclubgolf uses multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets, to give kids an enjoyable and safe trial of the game at their own school.

Earlier this year 220 children from eight Carluke primary schools were introduced to firstclubgolf, while 181 in six primaries close to Hollandbush were able to experience the game.

Both clubs are delivering Clubgolf Stage 1, a 40-hour course covering the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.