Children in Midlothian's primary schools are set to learn golf as part of a brand new initiative. Midlothian Council has joined forces with clubgolf to teach the sport during a six-week course designed as a safe and exciting introduction to the game for nine-year-olds.
After Easter, P5 pupils from 14 local schools will have their first taste of golf using the multi-coloured clubs, rubberised balls and velcro targets of firstclubgolf, the programme's introductory game. Following the summer, the scheme will then be
rolled out to the remaining primary schools.
Backed by Scotland's most famous golfers Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle, Catriona Matthew and Colin Montgomerie, clubgolf is a key component of Scotland's national strategy for junior golf. It has been developed by a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, the Golf Foundation and sportscotland.
Twenty-five teachers from the 14 primary schools in phase one recently received training in the skills needed to bring the fun introductory sessions to children. The teachers gave very positive feedback, and were happy with the practical nature of the training and the user friendly equipment.
Following the initial six-week firstclubgolf course, children who want to develop their skills further will progress to clubgolf's Stage 1 programme, the second phase of clubgolf's Player Pathway.
Hosted by their local clubs and taught by PGA-trained volunteer coaches, Stage 1 is a 20-hour course covering the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette. After Stage 1 there are a further four stages on the Player Pathway, allowing children to develop their skills to the level they aspire to.
Acting clubgolf East of Scotland Regional Manager, Kate Green said: "The enthusiasm and commitment that Midlothian Council, its Active Schools Team and teaching staff have shown to the clubgolf programme has been really refreshing and I am confident that we can pass on the required skills to primary schools in Midlothian to enthuse children to play golf.
"It's an exciting time for junior golf in the area as clubgolf enters into the initial stages of a planned three year roll out. I'm delighted to be working in partnership with the local authority to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to access and progress in the sport."
