Information Bulletin
Junior golf to benefit from new coaches
With almost 80 juniors now playing golf in Shetland, the next stage of the sport’s growth is being planned this weekend, as eight more local golfers train up as coaches under the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) coach training scheme. Experienced tutor and PGA Professional, George Finlayson, from Fife, returns to Shetland this weekend to deliver the training course in Lerwick on Saturday and Sunday.
Since the first group of volunteer coaches qualified in April 2006, Shetland and Whalsay Golf Clubs have seen their junior sections expand rapidly over the last two seasons. Both Clubs have signed up to clubgolf, the national junior golf strategy, 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 nextyear'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 designed plastic 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 forHighlands and Islands added – “The transition for youngsters from school golf to coaching at golf clubs in Shetland has exceeded all expectations. The success of the programme islargely 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.
Press release ends…