JGM Newsletter Issue 61 Final 06/12/2017 11:44 Page 1
THE GOLF FOUNDATION JUNIOR GOLF MATTERS Issue 61 November 2017
Parents and families have been supporters of the GolfSixes Academy
Gone for Six – team golf is cool for kids
The Golf Foundation ‘GolfSixes’ Academy Club v club, six against six, playing six holes in European Tour GolfSixes branding, have series has been a big success in nearly 30 clubs around an hour. Fast and fun! enjoyed ‘down-to-the-wire’ league matches trialling the project, suggesting that this could with their friends. Some 80% of kids wanted to be a major boost for club junior golf and the The GolfSixes series echoes the European Tour play more golf after GolfSixes and 61% said ‘retention’ of young players. event as seen on TV and is a pilot project they “loved golf”. across seven mini leagues up and down This new inter-club team format is helping to England. Created by the Foundation and Successes have ranged from the high level of foster a sense of belonging for new young England Golf (funded by Sport England), support from a large number of parents (90% players. Wearing team colours, boys and girls supported by the Tour, it is now likely that of events featured supporting Mums/Dads, work with their club’s PGA Professional during GolfSixes will be expanded throughout 2018. including volunteer roles) to the high level of the week to prepare for the big matches enthusiasm shown by the clubs taking part, against neighbouring club teams at the The Foundation team has watched as their junior organisers and PGA Pros (see weekend, supported by watching parents. numerous kids, in their club shirts with official figures on this on page 10).
Inside this issue: Feature story:
Golf and disability progress 4 It’s a yes, Minister! ETIQUS on the clock 6 Sports Minister Tracey Crouch MP was a guest Read latest on Girls’ Golf 8 of the Foundation during The Open and learned GolfSixes special 10 about our initiatives while playing Tri-Golf! How club Captains can help us 15 SEE MORE ON PAGE 14
The official bulletin of the Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org JGM Newsletter Issue 61 Final 06/12/2017 11:44 Page 2
Welcome Investment and integrity RDO team is perfect 10 Glendale gives to Golf in an hour, A huge thank you to all the members at With the funding support of our core community and therefore more youngsters, competing Welwyn Garden City Golf Club for raising partners and club and individual donations including encouraging more girls into the the game alongside friends, £4,000 for the Golf Foundation through we have recently been able to expand our game. playing new golf the ‘Captain’s Charity’ while embracing and team of Regional Development Officers from courses! helping to promote the Foundation’s ‘Skills eight to 10 in England, increasing our ability All our RDOs are pictured here with for Life’ ethos. to work with more golf clubs, more coaches, Development Manager Martin Crowder. I’m sure all of us teachers in schools, volunteers in the Find their contact details on our back page. can relate to the This charity is communicating with more golf motivations of young golfers, taken clubs to explore the potential of being from the findings of our own research included as Captain’s Charities (see page 15). last year and currently being applied to the GolfSixes Academy initiative. Approaching 300 clubs have received our Thanks to the backing of the ‘Skills for Life’ trophy and awards (see page CEO Brendon Pyle European Tour, the Golf Foundation 12). Celebrating the positive attitude of (left) meets award- team is genuinely excited about the young golfers is a great thing. Pictured is winner Jay potential of GolfSixes to engage with Foundation CEO Brendon Pyle presenting both new young players and their Welwyn Garden City GC player Jay Mathur his life at the club. He’s a great example to parents, so I hope that you enjoy with the club’s annual Skills for Life award. all of us with his integrity, even calling himself reading about its pilot phase in this Lady Captain Esther Strous praised the on a shot recently during a competition latest issue of Junior Golf Matters, “wonderful way Jay approaches his golf and which, of course, is great to see.” More than 1,000 people hit golf shots for the another example of how Sir Henry first time during Glendale Golf’s third Festival Cotton’s charity is dedicated to of Golf in August, helping to raise a brilliant bringing the playing and personal £2,400 for the Golf Foundation. See more on benefits of the sport to more Schools in Wales Golf Foundation RDOs, from left: Andy Leigh, Daisy Brierley, Alice Lowe, Ian Harvey, Martin Crowder (Development Manager), page 18. young people. Jason Sorrell, Stacey Mitchell, Andy Wright, Katie Moggan, Tom Sparks and Paul Aitkens Head PGA Pro John McDonald and his 18 primary schools. This community The Golf Foundation continues to assistant have been hard at work in the approach has resulted in an increase in help and inspire a variety of groups local community for Llantrisant & junior membership every year for the last of young people to enjoy golf. Pontyclun Golf Club in South Wales, a Golf three years at the golf club since John has The proceeds of our Pro-Am in Foundation HSBC Golf Roots Centre. been Head Pro. The number of girl Morecambe backs the girls October will all go towards funding members and the number in coaching at the an increasing number of projects that The pair are engaging with local schools and club have also risen significantly in this Morecambe Golf Club is seeing the rewards of Last year a Taster Day offered sessions to help young people with disabilities to over the past year have delivered golf to exciting project for the area. a three-year project with Lancaster Girls’ more than 100 girls and a follow-up coaching access the sport. We always enjoy Grammar School which is encouraging its day attracted 50 girls; coaching has gone on hearing how our projects have students to enjoy the playing and personal from there at the school and back at the club. helped individuals to take part and benefits of golf. This activity and a summer camp this year unlock their potential such as playing attracted women and girl players under 25 in the Special Olympics or receiving PGA Pro Emma Fletcher and the team, and a number of the girls have gone on to join a scholarship to join a local golf club. supported by Head Pro Simon Fletcher, were Morecambe GC. Winter StreetGolf sessions able to set up the coaching plan with the for girls at the school are next on the agenda! We are also proud of the progress school last year thanks to Lancashire Sport in welcoming more girls into golf funding gained with backing from Golf The girls and boys at Morecambe at a popular club through projects such as Girls Golf Foundation RDO Andy Leigh. prizegiving! Rocks, now being delivered in 15 counties, using county association squad players to motivate and mentor new girls to golf. These young ambassadors for the sport are trained Belfry for young golfers and supported by our recently Time for Presidents’ Awards expanded network of 10 Regional Rob Spurrier (Academy Director) at The This has all been possible through Golf Development Officers, four of whom Every year the Golf Foundation Presidents’ For next year, the many golf clubs that have Belfry appointed PGA Pro Phil Akers for his Foundation support, allowing Phil (pictured) are female; more great ambassadors to Awards celebrate some of the real heroes of received a Skills for Life trophy will be proven expertise in the field of junior to go into 10 local schools during the last inspire the next generation of girls and grass roots junior golf and the high achieving invited to nominate their young recipient to development to increase junior activity at the year, while inviting school groups from 18 women playing golf. projects that encourage more young people win the national Mackenzie Award at famous club. From a very small junior schools to visit The Belfry for initial free to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the sport. Wentworth. This exciting addition will membership, in the last 18 months things coaching. 2017 has been a hugely successful year celebrate our wider commitment to helping have changed quickly: Phil is currently for the Golf Foundation, with the The Presidents’ Awards will be staged in May young golfers develop into confident and encouraging 74 weekly academy members Foundation RDO Paul Aitkens said: “Phil is highest ever number of young people 2018 at Wentworth on the eve of the BMW resilient adults. creating a buzz around The Belfry (which is not only a tremendous golf coach but has a progressing through to golf clubs PGA Championship. Volunteers, PGA now an HSBC Golf Roots Centre), while real empathy to provide a quality service for thanks to our headline programme professionals, teachers, sports development The closing date for nominations is 23rd eight of the parents have recently joined as each and every junior that attends The HSBC Golf Roots. We are extremely workers, administrators, sport partnerships February, 2018, and anyone can take part members. Phil and his team have worked Belfry. He and The Belfry have been a grateful for your help and support, and and local authorities are among those who in this process. Nomination forms can be hard on the mental, physical and technical wonderful addition to the county as a Golf wish you a happy and prosperous 2018. can be nominated for nine awards which are downloaded from the ‘Presidents’ Awards’ side of development to allow 30 new juniors Roots Centre.” shared out between group projects and page found at 'About Us' at to join their ranks and become members of Brendon Pyle, individuals. www.golf-foundation.org. The Belfry. See our news at www,golf-foundation.org Chief Executive
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Active Schools Leeds Hertfordshire autism project Pro-Am helps The Active Schools Leeds Plus project is “This is so much fun, I want to do Hertfordshire Golf Development received Golf Centre’s Driving Range, which is an young people delivering golf activity for young people this at school.” (Child) funding in November 2017 for its ‘Autism inclusive amenity that is adequately with special educational needs (SEN) and in Golf’ project that aims to offer golf equipped to deal with the practical needs disabilities in both primary, secondary, “Through my training I am more activity to around 90 young autistic people. of autistic people. A new satellite club at with disabilities mainstream and special schools. The confident to run and support this The project will target inactive youngsters Radlett GC will then be formed with a project arose after an attempt to organise event.” (Young Leader) to enable them to be physically active on a view to encouraging the participants to It’s all about the a Level 3 School Games inclusive golf event regular basis and gain the additional health progress and build confidence in playing in 2016 that did not go ahead because of “I will be very interested in rolling benefits associated with regular exercise. golf and in the longer term become regular ‘Plus’… a lack of engagement and entries from out inclusive golf back at school.” The sessions will be delivered at Radlett players that join the golf club. schools. HSBC Golf Roots ‘Plus’ projects (funded by (Teacher) HSBC and The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust) are a key initiative within the Golf A ‘come and try’ inclusive golf festival was Leeds City Council is also supporting the Foundation’s drive to make ‘Golf for All’. hosted at the John Charles Centre for Sport project by funding the follow-on coaching at The projects support a range of partners at in Leeds in October and was a great nearby HSBC Golf Roots Centres Cookridge a local level to bring golf to an audience success. Some 125 pupils with a wide range Hall GC and Howley Hall GC. Both clubs Brampton Heath Golf Club shows that would traditionally not consider golf as of disabilities rotated around eight Tri-Golf currently offer weekly inclusive golf sessions, a leisure option. Since the HSBC Golf Roots stations to play the games based around the and are keen to increase the number of its support Plus initiative was launched in 2012, 73 Golf Foundation’s inclusive golf Skills cards. young people attending these sessions. projects have been funded. Many have Sport Leaders from West Leeds Academy helped ‘hard-to-reach’ young people in were on hand to help the activities run Golf lovers from the world of business, deprived communities and boys and girls smoothly. media and sport came together in October from challenging backgrounds. to compete in the Golf Foundation Pro-Am, According to Helen Holdsworth, School supported by the European Tour. The 31st There has recently been an emphasis on Games Organiser (SGO) and project lead, edition of this popular tournament raised supporting projects with a disability focus the festival focused on “skill development more than £15,000 to help young people and this year, all funds raised from the and personal achievement and... gave (the with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of golf. Foundation’s recent Pro-Am (over £15,000) young people) an extra opportunity to will go towards ‘Plus’ funding for disability experience a new environment, meet new Held at London Golf Club (the excellent projects. Some recent examples in this area people and in some cases try golf for the Heritage course) for a sixth year, 20 teams can be read on these two pages: first time.” from around the country enjoyed their golf The following feedback was collected from day, guided by European Tour professionals. pupils: In a closely fought contest (including a -7, 65 from Tour Pro Zane Scotland), Pro Wraith Grant guided the all-women’s team of ‘PGA Ladies’ to a memorable victory, Introducing with (pictured) Maureen Roberts, Di Horsley and Debbie Allmey, who are all great supporters of the Foundation, ‘Touch Golf’ receiving the loudest applause of the day for Golf is one of three sports selected by their terrific win. Cerebral Palsy Sport to be modified to help young people with CP to reach their The generosity of all the players continued potential. three decades of fundraising that has secured more than £500,000 to help make Andy Leigh, Foundation lead on golf and golf more accessible to youngsters from all disability, is working closely with Cerebral Photography Leaderboard Photos : backgrounds and abilities. Palsy Sport, England Golf and Sheffield Northamptonshire Sport submitted an greens. Over 60 children then had the Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research HSBC Golf Roots Plus application as it chance to showcase their new golfing skills Golf Foundation Chairman Stephen Lewis Centre to create ‘Touch Golf’, a prototype wished to increase sports/PE participation by taking part in two Tri-Golf festivals at said: “Everyone involved in our Pro-Am has format that could be played and enjoyed by for disabled youngsters and those with Brampton Heath GC. been incredibly generous and we promise Photos on this page: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photos on this page: those with Cerebral Palsy. special educational needs. The funding was to spend every penny wisely. All the funds first awarded in November 2016 to Michelle Reeves, from Northamptonshire raised this year will support more young Touch Golf, RaceRunning and Frame support an inclusive golf project for pupils Sport, said: “The project has been a great people who have a disability to enjoy the Football are all being developed with the from eight special schools. Initially six success... for the children who now, following benefits of golf, from having an opportunity University’s expertise. Tees Valley Sport children from each of the schools took the project, wish to continue to play the to experience the sport for the first time to part in two one-hour coaching sessions at game regularly and join the club, with friends following a pathway into our golf clubs.” Andy Leigh said: “It’s a real privilege for the Tees Valley Sport was awarded funding in community activity where young people Brampton Heath GC, led by PGA and family.” Golf Foundation to be part of this research September 2017 to provide golf activity for and carers can attend independently from Professional Kieran Thomas. For some great prizes and auction items, and development and it’s exciting to play a young people with disabilities. The project the school. Recently appointed new Foundation RDO the Golf Foundation thanks: HSBC, part in creating a new format for golf which is supporting a partnership between Tees Following this, a coaching academy where Alice Lowe is keeping the momentum going Buckinghamshire Golf Club, London GC, could be of genuine benefit to many people Valley Sport County Sports Partnership, Teachers at both schools and volunteers will three pupils from every school could in the area. Alice ran a School Games Titleist, the European Tour, The R&A, who have Cerebral Palsy. All the partners two schools for pupils with SEN and be offered Tri-Golf and StreetGolf leadership continue to receive weekly coaching was workshop with special educational needs ETIQUS, Glenmuir, The Groucho Club, The are meeting again soon so that Touch Golf Cleveland Golf Club. Golf coaching will training and all participants will be enrolled formed. At these sessions, players took part and disabled students in October and they Ryder Cup, PING, Toro, Tractor Hire, might be on offer for more young people initially be delivered in a school setting, onto the Junior Golf Passport scheme and be in a range of golf activities that included recently put their new coaching skills into SRIXON, Woburn GC, Princes GC and in 2018.” further follow-on activity will be held as invited to take part in inter-school events. practice on the driving range and putting action at a Tri-Golf festival. everyone else who kindly donated prizes.
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Zara’s Bags4Birdies Welcome to Alice and Tom
gift well deserved keen golfing family in Derbyshire and after working with England Golf for three years Young Zara from Poulton Golf Club was is looking forward to the challenge of one of more than 100 youngsters in the welcoming more juniors from all world this season to receive her own set backgrounds to the game. of golf clubs from the UPS ‘Bags4Birdies’ campaign, thanks to the birdie exploits of Tom Sparks is also a recent addition to the Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuizen. Foundation’s RDO team as our new recruit for the ‘South-West’ (Cornwall, Devon, Welcomed by the Golf Foundation, Exciting times at the Golf Foundation as Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset). Very Bags4Birdies supports deserving kids who our team of RDOs expands from 8 to 10. keen on his sport, Tom has a strong ETIQUS on the love their golf and show a great attitude. The Pictured is Alice Lowe, our new recruit in background in sports development (studying Lancashire club and Zara (pictured) were the ‘Central’ region of England (Derbyshire, the subject at the University of Gloucester) clock thrilled to see the new clubs! She took up Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and made first contact with the Foundation the game this year, is a regular at the range Nottinghamshire). Alice is a passionate through his work on an award-winning local and recently became a junior member at
It’s nearly time to celebrate in style as player (9 handicap) and has a Geography StreetGames project. Photography Leaderboard Photo: Poulton. Zara plays in the competitions ETIQUS has swept by the figure of £23K as degree from the University of Durham on there despite getting nervous, with until now this British brand of distinctive, quality somewhere in the world for every birdie her accomplished CV. She comes from a Contact details at www.golf-foundation.org borrowed clubs (including a glued together timepieces exclusively for golfers is that UPS ambassadors Louis Oosthuizen From ‘boring’ to putter!). dedicated to reaching £25,000 in donations and Lee Westwood secured in the four to the Golf Foundation. Majors in 2017. The Foundation has been The Bags4Birdies campaign has been trusted to present 14 of these sets of clubs brilliant! providing a set of clubs for a deserving child on behalf of UPS. This great support has been achieved via a ClubGolf in the Highlands As a keen footballer, golf did not have much range of activities including donating funds appeal to Elliot Brandon. Thanks to the to the Foundation for every ETIQUS watch work of the Palace for Life Foundation sold and encouraging all customers to (PFL), the 15-year old from Surrey is now consider supporting junior golf with thriving in the sport, which is also giving him donations. GolfSixes fever in North East new life skills and bringing him closer to his Granddad. ETIQUS is a partner of England Golf and has The Golf Foundation’s ‘GolfSixes’ Academy Foundation RDO Ian Harvey said: been supporting England Golf Captains’ events for juniors (see page 10) have really “Bedlingtonshire PGA Pro Mark Sanderson Elliot went to the PFL’s Premier League golf events while helping to raise the profile of caught the imagination. One club, has been brilliant to build on the momentum sessions at The Oaks golf club, in the Foundation among club Captains, who Bedlingtonshire GC in the North-East, of GolfSixes. It’s particularly satisfying to see Carshalton, but not with high hopes: “I may wish to support this charity further went an exciting step further and offered fresh local golf clubs invited to join in, while thought it was going to be a bit boring – through their own Captain’s Charity (see an open invitation to other clubs in the many parents were welcomed along to walking, and not an active sport,” he admits. more, page 15). area to have a go at the fresh new format, encourage the boys and girls.” resulting in nine golf clubs in September all “But we got lessons and I really enjoyed it. For 2018, ETIQUS has agreed with the Golf joining in to inspire their young golfers in The clubs taking part were Matfen Hall, The local professional taught us positioning, ClubGolf thriving off the beaten track Foundation to provide a watch voucher to a this club v club, team format over six holes. Bedlingtonshire GC, Close House GC, how to hold the club, how to hit it and I’ve value of £199 for any golf club who would There are now also plans to run a ‘winter Morpeth GC, Ponteland GC, Heworth GC, Clubs across the Highlands and Islands of Shetland, Western Isles & Moray) have definitely improved. I’ll definitely play more like to run an ETIQUS Charity Challenge as series’ of GolfSixes with events every Arcot Hall GC, George Washington GC and Scotland are reflecting on another increased by 10% since the 2016 returns and recommend it to my friends.” part of a golf day (eg ‘nearest the flag’ month from November to February. Wearside GC. successful year of ClubGolf coaching from clubs. competition) providing the club raises at activity. The session was part of a multi-sport least £350. Girls’ participation across the North is also initiative funded by the Premier League and The national junior programme is going slightly above the national trend with a 25% supported by the Golf Foundation, which ETIQUS founder Gary Butler said: “This from strength to strength, often in some of participation level, but in Shetland and uses the power of football clubs to inspire would certainly make an ideal added feature the remotest parts of the country. Indeed, Moray the clubs have recorded over 30% of young people to get involved in different to either a prestigious club event or perhaps ClubGolf coaching participation figures for girls participating in ClubGolf coaching sports. an existing charity event. Right from the 2017 across the North (Highland, Orkney, programmes. start our company has wanted to help more After only a couple of weeks of sessions,
young players to enjoy this wonderful sport Photography Leaderboard Photo: Elliot was representing Crystal Palace at so we are delighted to support the Golf July’s Golf Foundation National StreetGolf Foundation in this way.” Staff backed by Foundation Final at Formby Hall Golf Club. Gary has also shown his backing of this Sports Development Officer Roxanne charity by providing a number of his Thirty participants from 11 countries help to advance their careers. Bennett says that golf offers youngsters like excellent timepieces for prizes at key across five continents visited the University Elliot valuable life skills that other sports Foundation events, including at our recent of Chichester this summer for the fourth Foundation RDO Stacey Mitchell was invited cannot offer. “The etiquette around a golf Pro-Am and our annual Presidents’ Awards. Women’s Sport Leadership Academy week. to attend. Stacey said: “It was a fantastic course is slightly different to, say, football environment to be in; with various leaders and rugby. The patience and resilience is All members of England Golf can enjoy a Organised by the Anita White Foundation from different sports, cultures and countries. maybe something that’s not in the other £25 cashback on the purchase of any and FAB (Anita is a former Trustee of the I have met, networked, made friends and sports they play. Golf’s not usually a team ETIQUS watch. See more at Golf Foundation), the participants created partnerships with many individuals sport so it’s something they can www.etiqus.co.uk experienced global networking, enhanced from around the world. I thank the Golf concentrate on as an individual and A great GolfSixes for Bedlingtonshire included a hole-in-one from Samara (second right) in one of the matches their confidence and the skills that should Foundation for supporting me in this.” challenge themselves.”
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PING and Boudavida help Girls to Rock Questions for Stacey
As part of celebrations of a successful season Manager of the Golf Foundation, said: “The at all the leading European Tour events. Stacey Mitchell, RDO for East Midlands & allowing them to name and shape the delivery of of ‘Girls Golf Rocks’, members of the young ambassadors have been a major reason South Yorkshire, is the Foundation’s lead on the project has given them ownership of the Foundation team and England Golf invited for the success of the initiative so our team and Meanwhile, the team at Boudavida Girls’ Golf. We caught up with Stacey in this programme. many young ambassadors from golf clubs for England Golf were delighted to provide them (www.boudavida.com) donated £500 on the short Q&A. an Ambassador Day at Gainsborough Golf with a day of golfing inspiration and fun at day to be invested in the GGR programme for The initial subsidised offer has also proven Club. Gainsborough Golf Club. There were lots of 2018 (Boudavida invests 5% of every sale to popular; the parents are contributing to the good activities to take part in, lots of fun women’s sport). What is the landscape looking like for girls in project and allow the girls to get a taste of the Girls Golf Rocks is an initiative run jointly by practising and playing and it was a great way to current Golf Foundation initiatives? sport, without having to fully commit initially. England Golf and the Golf Foundation with the meet new and existing friends. Thanks again to Fifteen counties signed up to GGR this year aim of getting more girls playing golf, by offering all at Gainsborough GC.” (20 counties will take part in 2018) and over There are more girls entering through the gates of I would also suggest that our own Katie Moggan coaching with PGA Professionals and asking 80% of girls who try the game at special taster the golf club, into coaching programmes and (Regional Development Officer) was also key. young ambassadors from county squads to The day was supported in style by PING Golf sessions in this project are going on to take academies. We are starting to see a greater Katie originally set up and designed the project in show that it’s a fun and sociable game. who, as part of the welcome, gave the girls an coaching courses – many are expected to transition of girls into junior sections too. It is clear Essex and I feel Katie’s understanding of the Martin Crowder, National Development exclusive tour of the PING Tour bus, as seen move into club membership. many golf clubs recognise the need to introduce needs and perspective of girls, as well as her more girls to golf and to offer a suitable pathway experience of sports development has been to the club. More coaches and clubs are providing crucial. Having a club-based project has also an inclusive environment for girls, helping them to worked well and the conversion rates have been gain a positive experience and perceptions of our brilliant! sport.
What are the newly expanded network of What can golf clubs do to encourage girls to daughter, granddaughter or a niece who could 10 RDOs doing to encourage more girls Start, Learn and Stay? potentially get coached or take up a membership? into golf?
It’s vital that clubs continue to engage with the It is essential that we retain girls within the game. Firstly, it is important to recognise the progress the local schools and the community, in order to break With this aim, it’s important to consider the Golf Foundation has made as an organisation. down barriers and negative perceptions of golf. It’s playing and social opportunities for the girls. What Within three years, they have gone from having no surprise that when I visit schools at the start of are the follow-on steps for girls after taking part in one in seven female RDOs to now having 4/10 projects and speak to girls, there are still coaching? When does the women’s section host female RDOs. The Foundation is demonstrating preconceptions from many that golf is “boring”, their events and competitions? Friendships can not only the value of women in leadership “an old man’s game”, “expensive”… There’s much be so key to golf. Providing social events not just positions, but also the value of having females effort going into golf development for girls but this for the girls but all the juniors can be of great within golf; acting as positive role models. is only the starting point, particularly with the benefit. The friends I have made through golf are older age range of girls, to make golf appear as a friends for life, as I’m sure is the case for many All the RDOs are supporting various projects within “normal” sport and “trendy”. When I was at school reading this. their counties. For example, we have ‘This Girl Golfs (not so long ago!), I was embarrassed to tell North Lincs’ with Elsham Golf Club. This project Only way is Essex! anyone I played golf. It wasn’t until a girl was sees the club and their PGA Coaches targeting openly talking about it to the class in Maths that I What is the secret to the success of Girls three local secondary schools, providing each Golf Rocks? school with girls focused taster days, after school Held in 15 counties in 2017, the first Girls Golf changed my attitude and became honest and programmes, the Girls Open and a newly launched Rocks project was started in Essex by proud to be involved. Girls Golf Academy. Andy Leigh, North West RDO, Foundation RDO Katie Moggan. ‘GGR on Tour’ The County Squad Ambassadors have been vital; is working with Sandiway Golf Club on a project recently returned to some of the local clubs Projects don’t just have to start within the local acting as positive role models to the girls, which aims by 2020 to coach 100 girls and to get which teed-off the programme and welcomed schools or community, they can happen at the golf marketing and promoting the project, and 20 girls into membership. These are just a couple 59 girls for a unique competition; mixing new club and enjoy huge success. If you consider all supporting with the delivery of the sessions. of examples of the team’s recent work. GGR participants and GGR ambassadors with your members, how many of them have a Utilising the County Squad as the ‘Poster Girls’ and improving girls (without handicaps) and county players. “Thanks to Essex Ladies this was a great day,” said Foundation RDO Daisy Brierley. “It’s great that where it all started we have been able to keep the momentum of Girl power! Girls Golf Rocks going so well.”
It is very encouraging to have four women in Yes to U.S. Kids Golf the team of Golf Foundation Regional Development Officers as this charity works After a successful first 12 months, the Golf The Foundation is working closely with U.S. with our partners to improve the golf offering Foundation has renewed its partnership Kids Golf to provide a free 7 iron to all girls to girls in our golf clubs, schools and with U.S. Kids Golf to continue to supply who take part in the coaching element of communities. the charity with appropriately sized golf Girls Golf Rocks. Next year it is hoped to clubs for kids in Foundation programmes, provide every girl arriving for their first If you haven’t met them yet, here’s, from left, mainly for Girls Golf Rocks and during key coaching session with a 7-iron which can be Stacey Mitchell (RDO for East Midlands & national events such as The Open and the reserved at the club for their use for the South Yorkshire), Alice Lowe (Central), Katie BMW PGA Championship. whole summer of coaching and play. Moggan (East), and Daisy Brierley (South East).
Contact details are on the back page. Mark Newcombe Photos on this page:
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GolfSixes has X-factor Matt welcomes the winners Herts in the Created by the Golf Foundation and England The Golf Foundation is seeking to encourage Golf, teams of six kids, often boys and girls, are this competitive edge for young players new to right place in a local league of four/five clubs. It’s club v golf in junior sections. The net results of the club, Texas Scramble, with the children in club project have seen a clear progression in the shirts and European Tour logos, all preparing for player pathway – seeing a 65% increase in their matches with the help of the club’s PGA affiliated membership (73 members at the Pro (in monitoring, there was an average of start, 121 at the end). around five practice sessions per child – just over once between each fixture). The clear support from parents has impressed the Golf Foundation team, present at many The youngsters are then doing battle at the matches, as the charity continues to look at weekends supported by their parents (90% of new ways to entice more families into golf league matches were attended by parents). while helping England Golf to grow Many children have been playing on golf courses participation numbers and retain more juniors. for the very first time in this initiative that has The pilot project now looks set to be been enjoyed by nearly 30 golf clubs across expanded to include more clubs in 2018. seven regions. Martin Crowder, National Development Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo: The GolfSixes series has been supported Manager, said: “Every facet of GolfSixes has A pilot programme is offering an exciting enthusiastically by the European Tour from the been designed to encourage kids to get the inter-club team competition for young golfers start (with funding from Sport England). most out of their new experience in a club new to the club environment. The ‘GolfSixes GolfSixes (for the Tour professionals) returns junior section. In each case they are building up Academy’ series echoes a new European Tour to the European Tour International Schedule in to the big match through learning and practice format to offer a team match over six holes in 2018 and part of its success this year was with their PGA Pro, while often enjoying the around an hour. The children, many parents attributed to the clear enjoyment of the support of their parents on the golf course. and the clubs involved are all hailing this format among the European Tour players This has been a highly inspiring project for project a great success! taking part. everyone concerned.” Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo:
In a recent example of GolfSixes (pictured), teams from Mill Green Golf Club (host), Essendon Country Club, Aldwickbury GC Sixes stats and Chesfield Down GC all competed in the In monitoring, 80% of kids wanted to play 90% of league matches were attended by ‘South’ regional matches in a league that also more golf after GolfSixes; parents with more than 50% of events Getty Images Photo: included South Herts GC and Bushey CC. welcoming parents as volunteers, 41% of 61% said they “loved golf” after GolfSixes, parents took on the role of team managers; The boys and girls from Ponteland Golf Club Masters. Matt Fitzpatrick signed autographs with One parent at Mill Green GC said: “We loved 38% “liked golf”; in the North East, who won their regional the youngsters and answered their questions in this event because it’s great for our children to Meanwhile, the top three elements the Golf Foundation GolfSixes league, met Ryder an inspiring session. Earlier the young players play six holes on the course, all as part of a A clear progression in the player pathway − children enjoyed most were: being part of a Cup star Matt Fitzpatrick when they were soaked up the atmosphere of the day and team, which is fantastic for increasing confidence seeing a 65% increase in affiliated team, playing new courses, playing in a pair invited along to the British Masters watched the top players in action. and making friends. Here, on a Sunday, all the membership (73 affiliated members at the against another team; 77%, 77%, 62% supported by Sky Sports at Close House, by parents can come along and cheer their start, 121 at the end); respectively. the European Tour. Foundation RDO Ian Harvey said: “All the kids on!” youngsters from Ponteland GC have had a Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo: Ponteland’s win in their region at Close House brilliant time at the British Masters thanks to Jason Sorrell, Foundation RDO for the area, said: against three rival teams meant the squad of 12 their warm welcome from the European Tour. “The GolfSixes format is all about fun and boys and girls, aged seven to 14, were invited as To meet Matt Fitzpatrick was a brilliant end to teamwork. We were also really pleased to see European Tour support guests of the European Tour to the British their experience.” many parents coming along to support.”
Fredrik Lindgren, Head of Corporate Responsibility at the European Tour, said: “We are delighted to see so many junior golfers partaking in the new GolfSixes pilot project, which is ultimately an exciting format that we Eastern promise of new format hope will attract more people to the sport, whether that is taking up the game New young golfers from the East of England Foundation ‘StreetGolf Satellite Clubs’ that 19 points, Ipswich Golf Club were third with 17 themselves or as spectators. had great fun recently as they celebrated the PGA Professional Stephen Hall set up with two and Bramford and Stonham Barns were joint end of their Foundation GolfSixes Academy local schools last year (County Upper and King fourth with 11 points. “The Golf Foundation has done an amazing job league series in style at St Clements Golf Edward VI) to encourage a smooth pathway since the original GolfSixes Academy concept Club in Ipswich. from school to regular club golf under the Golf Foundation Regional Development Officer was delivered in May at the Centurion Club, supervision of the PGA Pro. Katie Moggan said: “This was a brilliant day to and it is a testament to their work within the The winning team with a total of 21 league finish the league. The response from the local communities that we have so many clubs points was The Suffolk Golf Club. Nearly all the The youngsters from Bury St Edmunds GC parents, clubs and coaches has been
involved.” GMS Photo: players in this club’s squad were from two Golf finished in second place in the league with overwhelmingly positive!”
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Growing impact School Games and Tri-Golf Skills for Life trophy − NEW! What they say The School Games was created to provide In all of these festivals, young sports leaders Thanks to funding from The 80:20 Charitable for Life winner to receive the Mackenzie of ‘Skills for Life’ more competitive sport in state schools in give a score to the teams on how well they Trust and support from Golf Monthly Award at the Golf Foundation’s prestigious England as a legacy of the London 2012 have worked together, encouraged each other, magazine, we have launched a new ‘Skills for Presidents’ Awards ceremony at Wentworth. Olympics and golf has played a big part in this played safely and respected the leaders and Life’ trophy and awards scheme for golf clubs (reaching more than 300,000 youngsters in each other. in England, Scotland and Wales that will help nearly 3,000 schools). to champion the good values of the sport. This has led to an overall Skills for Life The values of the Games are heavily promoted winner at each event which means as much ‘Skills for Life’: some examples being honesty, within the initiative, which fit perfectly with the to the school teams as actually winning the respect, co-operation and resilience, while qualities promoted in golf by Skills for Life. event itself. many club members might also suggest ‘sportsmanship’ or ‘fair-play’. Each club receives a specially-created Skills for Life trophy to be awarded once a year at their junior awards event, while an attractive medal is also provided as a returnable weekly prize. Each club is invited to nominate their annual Skills Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo:
Brandon of Leen Valley GC is thrilled with his Skills for Leading golf charity the Golf Foundation Life medal promotes ‘Skills for Life’. What do we mean by this, how do we promote it to young Wider benefits “The Skills for Life medal has people taking part in our activities and how also testing a new programme designed to worked fantastically for our can learning through golf help young people junior academy. Parents have really got in their wider lives? support PGA Pros in their teaching of juniors. involved, loving what Skills for Life is, and how golf offers these skills to their The teaching of life skills underpins every part of Feedback has been encouraging – coaches children.” the Golf Foundation’s HSBC Golf Roots guide the juniors in their familiar golf setting programme and our set of values as an with techniques designed to control challenges Zachery Marsh – Head of Junior organisation. Each year, the charity reaches such as first-tee nerves, pressure putts and Development, Mark Janes Golf Academy 500,000 youngsters with the aim of introducing concentration lapses which can then be at least 50,000 of them to a golf club and adapted to everyday wider life situations such “The Skills for Life trophy has 25,000 entering regular PGA coaching. as exams, public speaking and controlling gone down a storm.” anxiety or aggression. Critically, progress is Debbie Casling – Gloucestershire County Far from being just about the numbers, the Golf measured. Golf Partnership Foundation wants to help more young people, from whatever background or their level of This charity has led the way consistently in Five leading PGA Pros are now helping to “Used the Skills for Life medal in junior ability, to enjoy their golf and thrive in their recent years in recognising the value of complete the design of a programme around sessions, the kids love it. The personal development. Golf is a great sport, promoting wider personal and social skills their coaching with the intention of expanding medal was awarded to the ‘MVP’; the offering a game for life, ‘Skills for Life’ and a through its programmes in golf. However, the training to more PGA Coaches. most valuable person was chosen based healthy life. until recently it lacked a measure of personal on behaviour, helpfulness and development in this area and the method of These Pros are Tom Hide of the Coastal Golf encouragement to others, and application to the wider life setting. Academy, Zachery Marsh of Mark Janes Golf improvement.” Academy, Matt Edgar of Horton Park GC, Alex Boyton – PGA Professional, Greg Haenen of Boughton GC, and Alex Part of our DNA Working with coaching specialists AQR, the Cottingham Parks GC Foundation has utilised a robust measure of MacGregor of Addington Court. Thanks again Skills for Life learning features across all of concentration for players of different abilities traits associated with positive life skills and is all for a brilliant contribution. “The trophies and medals were our initiatives, including: while making a new sport fun! a huge hit! They really heightened the juniors engagement, enthusiasm and The PGA-endorsed Junior Golf National Skills for Life Award – all golf clubs competitiveness, which was fantastic to Passport – preparing for the excitement invited to reward the demonstration of see! At the final session I had an Academy and challenge of golf in our clubs; Skills for Life by their juniors; Presentation where all parents and juniors Training workshops – Foundation team Glasgow school’s learning attended and I handed out the awards. Tens of thousands of children have continually working with club volunteers, learned golf via the Junior Golf Passport. We had over 60 parents/juniors… both PGA Pros and school staff to underline Chapelton Primary School in Glasgow has children have learned about the landscape, The Passport contains a whole section for the parents and juniors importance of life skills; been working in partnership with Broadlees sustainability, renewable energy, the design of coaches on how to teach and reward Golf on a groundbreaking educational project a golf course, planting trees, building bird loved it!” Sam Matthews – England Golf, former key life skills in golf; Box of Tricks – a resource and training funded by HSBC Golf Roots Plus. Scottish boxes and learning about technology. Golf Regional Schools & Community Officer PGA Pro at Silverdale Golf Club Tri-Golf Festivals and School Games – workshop with the goal of reaching 900 clubs that encourages juniors to stay in the Ann Lang and Broadlees PGA Coach Paul Chapelton teacher Val Lightbody said: “This has 300,000 youngsters taught teamwork, “Many thanks for the Skills for Life game, promoting a sense of belonging McKay, have led the scheme over eight weeks been a fantastic outdoor learning opportunity respect and resilience through golf; trophy and medal. What lovely things for and wellbeing in junior sections – to teach the kids how to play golf while also for our children. Each week the children have learning a lot about their local environment also enjoyed excellent golf tuition from Ann the children to strive to ‘win’ whilst StreetGolf – community golf feedback for the 'Box' has been highly learning some life skills as well.” positive for this pilot project so far. and picking up some valuable Skills for Life. and Paul. At the recent Golf Festival at projects for 11+ encourage creativity and Photography Leaderboard Photo: The sessions have been interactive and the Broadlees our children shone!” Kirsty Taylor – Westonbirt GC
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Thanks R&A for “perfect pitch” at The Open Captains on tee for Foundation
The Golf Foundation has thanked Open The Foundation is very grateful to all the have a measurable impact at club level. This Lee Westwood presents Championship organisers The R&A and key ‘Bags4Birdies’ sets to Waterloo individuals, clubs and organisations for the can be a very progressive step. golf industry individuals and companies School youngsters donations and grants that provide funds for involved in the tournament for helping to our development initiatives. Without this A number of clubs are making a fantastic raise the profile of this national child-centred support, this charity would not be able to investment by supporting the Golf Foundation Matt Greaves Photo: charity at an exciting time for the sport. reach so many children and young people and through their ‘Captain’s Charity’, while making a introduce them to this great sport. genuine difference in their own community. Some 15,000 of the record 235,000 attendees Clubs can choose their own way of supporting at The 146th Open were aged 16 and under; Many clubs choose to support the Foundation junior golf in this fashion; in some cases young people who were able to visit free-of- by collecting £2 per member as part of a allocating a portion of funds to the Golf charge as part of The R&A’s ‘Kids Go Free’ subscription renewal process or by running an Foundation and a portion to either a national initiative, many watching one of the most annual competition where the proceeds are good cause or local charity initiative, including dramatic wins in the Championship by donated to the charity. setting up a local golf and health initiative. Jordan Spieth. If every member of a club commits £2 per To learn more about the value to the sport of The Golf Foundation opened its junior area in member, it is a straightforward way of raising Golf Foundation fundraising see the ‘R&A Swing Zone' at Royal Birkdale on the valuable funds for junior golf nationally that will www.golf-foundation.org/fundraising/ first Sunday of Open week (16th July) and welcomed a growing tide of young people and their families, many completely new to golf, Some 25 school and golf club groups were Successful putts earned Titleist balls and caps with more than 6,000 visitors experiencing fun welcomed for golf sessions, with 40 sessions while holing ‘3 in a row’ booked a place in a golf with the Foundation team. dedicated to ‘freeplay’, where any child could daily prize draw to win a top-of-the-range Eastbourne Welwyn Garden Captain’s Charity come and enjoy some lively Tri-Golf and Titleist Scotty Cameron putter. From a first smiling 5 year-old on Sunday to StreetGolf games. Welwyn Garden City Golf Club has raised MBE) and a barbecue and auction, while fun thousands of kids cheering a new golfing The Golf Foundation shared the Swing Zone helps with £2 per £4,000 for the Foundation through the competitions were also held at the club, superstar on the following Sunday, The Open The Foundation’s Putting Challenge was free to space with a select group of 22 PGA ‘Captain’s Charity’. including matching committee members to their became the “perfect pitch” for the Foundation play and enjoyed nearly 4,000 visits from two- Professionals, providing free golf lessons for all- member baby photos! and partners to show a wide audience that golf year-olds to grandparents – prizes were comers and giving more than 3,000 lessons In her job as ‘Club Support Officer’ for England can be a wonderful sport for young people. donated by Titleist, the #1 Ball in Golf. during Open week. Golf, Esther Strous is in the vanguard of backing Fun, in fact, was a key word in Esther’s manifesto golf clubs in her region to recruit and retain in her year as Lady Captain, as the club works more members for the good of the game. In her hard to be an attractive venue for members of year as Lady Captain of Welwyn GC GC, she all ages and create a highly welcoming feel for decided to raise money for the Golf Foundation, visitors and members. Lee, Louis and the Sports Minister all star to help this charity support more young people to thrive through their golfing progress. Working closely with Foundation RDO Jason In the Swing Zone the Foundation team posted a top-10 leaderboard score in the 30 Sorrell, Esther, club Head Pro Stuart Mason and supported the UPS ‘Bags4Birdies’ campaign second challenge! £4,000 was raised, mostly through a pro-am led his team are all keen to encourage more for the week with Lee Westwood and Louis by top women PGA Professionals (including youngsters to join and have been reaching out Oosthuizen. The Foundation has been Brendon Pyle concluded: “We would also like to former Solheim Cup skipper Alison Nicholas to schools in the area. entrusted to donate 14 sets to British kids thank all those who attended the annual golf Club Manager of Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, and Lee made a personal appearance to industry lunch, organised by Sports Marketing Neil Darnell (right), is pictured with Golf present two of these to pupils from local Surveys INC., the British Golf Industry Foundation RDO Andy Wright, as Andy Waterloo Primary School. Louis Oosthuizen Association and the Foundation. Here, presents a special commemorative trophy for meanwhile was guest of honour for the representatives from international golf companies all the members of the club. The members Foundation’s National StreetGolf Final at and national development organisations shared donated £1,400 to support this charity’s nearby Formby Hall on the Monday (see page ideas about how best to grow the game and national HSBC Golf Roots programme. 16), which was filmed in detail by Sky TV. help more juniors to enjoy golf, while challenging our team to keep innovating. The money was raised via the effective ‘£2 per Of all the Foundation’s guests, CEO Brendon member’ voluntary addition to members’ Pyle praised in particular Government Sports “Many of these influential individuals visited the subscriptions. Minister Tracey Crouch (pictured) who attended Swing Zone and saw our highly committed team the Swing Zone and, as someone new to golf, of RDO’s in action, encouraging families new to Royal Eastbourne has just signed up as an ‘HSBC wanted to learn more about opportunities for golf and offering us the perfect pitch to show golf Golf Roots Centre’ which is backed by the young people in the sport. Then, the talking done, can be a fantastic game for everyone, for families Foundation as it takes golf into local schools and Tracey also took on the kids at Tri-Golf and – and it all has to start with the youngsters.” The Sports Minister is on the Tri-Golf leaderboard! colleges before inviting kids and young people back to the club for further coaching with PGA CEO Brendon Pyle receives the donation from Welwyn Ladies Captain Esther Strous Pro Alan Harrison and the team, towards HSBC Hour is a success potential club membership. The club is also an A feature of The Open was the Foundation’s As the defending Open Champion, Henrik this support from the Golf Foundation team active user of the PGA-endorsed Junior Golf support of the ‘HSBC Hour’, in which more Stenson helped to support the HSBC Hour by making a number of visits to the Passport. Thank you all Brooch golfers than 250 golf clubs staged an HSBC Hour and made a special appearance in the R&A Foundation area to offer encouragement to Every pound raised in our Brooch the benefits of golf. Thank you to all the golf during Open week to welcome new golfers Swing Zone. HSBC Ambassadors Brian the boys and girls. Their enthusiasm was Andy Wright said: “This charity is delighted to Competitions this year is to be invested club members who supported us in this way to the club environment. O’Driscoll and Tim Henman then returned appreciated by children and parents alike. have received this wonderful donation from the directly into helping more girls to enjoy all this year and this will continue in 2018. club members; what a wonderful gesture!”
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StreetGames and StreetGolf make match to savour School Games can shine in 2018
Louis Oosthuizen was guest of honour for Meanwhile, working with the Golf Foundation, The Golf Foundation, working with its key The Toolkit and Competition Cards are a the Golf Foundation’s National StreetGolf England Golf and The R&A, ‘StreetGames’ was a partners including the Youth Sport Trust, has showcase for the values of the sport: respect Final at Formby Hall during Open star of this summer’s ‘Road to the Open’ succeeded in putting golf right in the middle for opponents, integrity (recording your score), Championship week this year. project in the North West. of the fairway in school sport. teamwork, co-operation, etiquette like repairing divots – and other Skills for Life This is an initiative run with the Premier StreetGames helps over 900 community Around 3,000 schools per year deliver golf at around sportsmanship, including congratulating League which through projects with 11 organisations across the UK to take sport to the School Games, reaching more than other players for good play. Premier League and Championship football the doorstep in disadvantaged communities. 300,000 young people. clubs encourages kids from typically non- In the Road to the Open, StreetGames used The Toolkit and Competition Cards have just golfing communities to get into golf. Louis Foundation StreetGolf to excite new For this reason, the Foundation invests a great been revamped for the year ahead to create joined in the fun and presented the prizes to youngsters to try golf for the very first time in deal in making sure its ‘School Games Toolkit’ dynamic Tri-Golf and StreetGolf ‘Sixes’ matches the boys and girls who were all wearing their often urban areas where golf isn’t a usual choice. is an excellent resource for use by School for school festivals with an improved scoring home football club shirts. Games Organisers (SGOs), teachers and system where every game and every shot is Three StreetGames projects were then invited young volunteers for the benefit of the young vital for the good of your team, while the Skills The South African posed for personal pictures, to attend The Open Championship at Royal people of all abilities who play our Tri-Golf for Life elements can win prizes for those who talked with the youngsters and encouraged Birkdale. Young people from Liverpool, Wirral and StreetGolf formats during the School show a great attitude (very popular with them before they all went on to Royal Birkdale and Sefton enjoyed the experience and were Games events. schools). to experience the first practice day of The able to demonstrate their StreetGolf skills at Open Championship, thanks to support from The R&A Swing Zone before heading out onto
Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo: The R&A. the course to watch the best players in action. Family first can work
As part of its help in recruiting and retaining Slark and so far for the current year (ending more young people in golf clubs, the next March), 61 out of 100 bags have found a 3 Hammers enjoys second award Foundation is sending out ‘Family Golf Bags’ good club home. The bags include child- to interested golf clubs, while supporting friendly, fun-oriented golf equipment, adaptable The junior-friendly 3 Hammers golf complex family golf activity by England Golf, Wales tee markers and ideas on playing formats for in Wolverhampton has been voted Golf Golf and Scottish Golf. all the family. Facility of the Year in the inaugural Golf Awards held by Europe’s biggest golf retailer, This charity has developed the Family Golf Bag Clubs receiving the bags are being encouraged American Golf. The pioneering venue was one that can be used by all ages to play golf to reach out into their local communities to of seven facilities across the UK to be together in a safe and enjoyable manner. Some attract families brand new to golf, targeting nominated for the award which was then 300 bags will be distributed over three years both young people and parents with a ‘Golf
opened up to a public vote to find a winner. thanks to legacy funding from William ‘Tony’ for All’ message. Photography Leaderboard Photo:
This honour follows a Golf Foundation Presidents’ Award in 2016 for the facility, which is an HSBC Golf Roots Centre, presented to 3 Hammers for its commitment to supporting Boxing clever Passport to kids in the local community. trusted advice (from leading PGA Pros, club American Golf’s Daniel Gathercole said: progress managers, junior organisers) on everything “Thousands of people have voted in the Golf needed to inspire young people to get the Awards by American Golf… For this award to By the start of this summer, there were 613 Pictured: (left to right) Ian Bonser, Sam Hill, Barry Leach (CEO American Golf), Jo Hawker and Rob Bluck most out of their golf club environment. go to a short course that focusses on the golf clubs and 815 PGA Coaches registered development of new players gives me with the Junior Golf Passport, the national Director Rob Bluck and team are known for which is ideal for family golf of all ages and RDO Jason Sorrell said: “Our development enormous satisfaction.” The 3 Hammers Golf learning programme in England and Wales. their innovative approach in encouraging new helps 3 Hammers deliver golf to around 3,500 team really enjoys our training workshops for Complex is made up of a Henry Cotton 18 Tens of thousands of children have benefited young golfers, building up their confidence in youngsters each year. The highly rated course the Box of Tricks because we know the ideas in hole short course and a state of the art from the programme. Clubs and PGA Pros the unique ‘Learn to Play Zone’ before was selected to stage the Foundation’s the Box are real ‘winners’. When you get Driving Range and practice facilities. Academy can find out more at unleashing their talents on the short course, National StreetGolf Final in 2016. representatives from a number of clubs www.juniorgolfpassport.org or talk to their together, sharing these creative thoughts and Foundation RDO (see back cover). best practice, it is inevitable that other fantastic ideas flow from the discussion, all helping the
Photo: Leaderboard Photography Leaderboard Photo: young juniors.
Sir Henry Cotton recognised By March 2018, 300 golf clubs will have had “I am meeting 25 people from 10 golf clubs for access to the ‘Box of Tricks’, the Golf a joint workshop soon, all keen to help young English Heritage unveiled a ‘blue plaque’ to A special ceremony took international professional tournaments Foundation/England Golf resource and golfers, and it’s an evening date in the diary I’m commemorate one of the boyhood homes place in front of an in a career that was interrupted between training workshop for club volunteers and excited about!” of Sir Henry Cotton, in partnership with the enthusiastic crowd at 47 1939-45 by the War. PGA Coaches to help clubs retain juniors in Golf Foundation, Aquarius Golf Club and Crystal Palace Road to golf clubs. Thanks to funding from Sport England, 200 Alleyn’s School, in East Dulwich, in July. remember Cotton, who Sir Henry would later become a leading more clubs each year will benefit from the Cotton is the first professional golfer to be entertained the public while winning founder of the Golf Foundation in 1952. See The Box of Tricks contains nearly 50 top ideas Box, until 900 golf clubs have opened the Box
recognised in this way. three Open Championships and more than 30 more on this story at www.golf-foundation.org to galvanise junior sections, with tried and to boost their junior sections. Photography Leaderboard Photo:
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Tickenham’s autistic focus Calverley juniors win league British Masters
Tickenham Golf Club in Somerset is providing Jordan learning golf at Tickenham inspires Silloth a great junior golf experience for kids of all ages (from four years old!) and all abilities thanks to its passionate team of PGA Professionals, supported as an HSBC Golf Roots Centre by the Golf Foundation.
While a growing number of the students are teeing it up in the county development squads, any child can enjoy golf here, including those with physical and learning disabilities.
Five years ago PGA Pro Sarah Sutcliffe and fellow PGA Pro Alan Johnston learned how to coach kids with autism and have run regular It was wonderful to see all the boys and girls classes since then; Alan saying these sessions from Silloth on Solway Golf Club attending the are his favourite classes of the week, using Tri- European Tour’s British Masters with Silloth Golf, StreetGolf and regular equipment. Jordan (pictured) is one of these young people walk this marks some incredible progress. parents and staff. This great West Cumbrian (and he loves the work experience!). Jordan Golf Foundation RDO Tom Sparks said: “Sarah club is really encouraging its young golfers and Some of the young people have gone on to do has cerebral palsy, autism and poor sight. He is hugely passionate and a fantastic example of Known for its welcoming ethos, Calverley games Calverley won 15. what an inspiring event to attend for 29 their Year 10 college work experience at couldn’t balance and hit a ball to begin with but what a proactive club can achieve with Golf Golf Club, near Leeds, has enjoyed a great youngsters, meeting the best players and Tickenham Golf Club and this club and college has now progressed on to playing a few holes Foundation funding, alongside support from the summer with its juniors. Dan Atkins said: “All the members of the team comparing swings with those of the champions link is proving popular with all concerned. on the course. As he relies on two sticks to county sport partnership and golf association.” played very well home and away. They are while proudly wearing their club tops. Junior Organiser Dan Atkins and the PGA Pro Jamie, Archie, Matty, Kiernan and George. Jeff Whittam are tasked with guiding the boys Winning the league was the icing on the cake Junior membership fees are low at Silloth despite and girls through their academy system (often this year; I am super proud of all the players.” it being a ‘top 100’ course. Head Pro Simon more than 30 kids present here) to become Williamson said: “This was a perfect end to the Glendale Golf raises £2,400 regular club team players. Their winning of the Calverley uses the Junior Golf Passport for summer for the kids and they represented our Bradford Union Development League is proof new players and under Dan’s leadership and club very well. They had a fantastic day, meeting More than 1,000 people hit golf shots for the The Golf Foundation also ensured that six of their progress and has allowed Dan to tick- Jeff’s coaching expertise the academy is going great golfers and sportsmen and celebrities, even first time during Glendale Golf’s third Festival players each walked away with an ETIQUS off a key part of his three-year plan. Out of 24 very well. putting with players like Lee Westwood, Danny of Golf in August, smashing the group-wide watch after winning their local Nearest the Willett and Sergio Garcia. The whole club is still target across six golf centres nationwide. Pin contest at participating Glendale Golf buzzing now!” centres in Canvey Island, Chorley, Six Glendale Golf centres each ran a series of Nottingham, Portsmouth, Richmond Park Sand Martins scholars sessions to encourage families new to golf and Crawley. from the local community, enjoying some record numbers as Glendale’s PGA Pros gave Duxbury Park, Chorley, led the way by Guernsey going free lessons. attracting over 300 visitors in a single day to its new Golf & Games Family Park where a range great! Innovative fundraising ideas raised over £2,400 of fun games and an orienteering trail all drew Tri-Golf has been an exciting addition to for the Golf Foundation during the week, the crowds. school sport in Guernsey with stronger links including a 50p donation from Glendale Golf for schoolchildren to local golf clubs. per green fee booked online over the weekend See more about where to play in your area of August 12-13. at www.glendalegolf.co.uk RDO Andy Wright met up with President of the Guernsey Golf Union Eric Lowe on a trip in which he visited island schools and four golf clubs, La Grande Mare, L’Ancresse, Royal Guernsey and St Pierre Park, to discover more North Wales club thriving about their progress in encouraging new young players to the fairways and greens. Golf coaches North Wales Golf Club appointed Robin Many of the sessions target girls and students from nearby island Alderney visited with Andy Hughes as a community coach last year to with behavioural challenges and use a Sand Martins Golf Club in Wokingham has also received the award at the special who said: “Having visited Guernsey two years create community links and outreach work combination of Tri-Golf, StreetGolf and golf, handed scholarships to two young golfers ceremony in August. ago and trained sports officers and teachers to and focus on bringing in new with many sessions welcoming up to 70 with a disability who tee-off regularly at the deliver golf it was great to return and see some golfers/members. youngsters, with an average of 40% being girls. 18-hole course. The award is supported by the Golf excellent work in encouraging boys and girls to Foundation and England Golf. Sand Martins’ take up golf. The club is now an HSBC Golf Roots Centre As a result, the club has seen an increase of Liam Fuller, 16, who is autistic, was the first to ‘FI Academy’ currently has 18 students/scholars and Robin, along with volunteers, has provided junior girls’ membership from five to 25 in a receive his scholarship, providing him with with a disability that regularly attend weekly “Thanks to the Guernsey Sports Commission sessions for over 10,000 young people in the year, with financial support where needed from complimentary junior membership of the golf sessions, including coaching, on-course lessons golf has become very much part of the last 12 months, averaging 200 children a week, the club. Junior numbers have increased from club and practice facilities. He said: “The lessons and a family festival day where the parents are sporting landscape in schools and the clubs are creating a successful player pathway from local less than 10, 18 months ago, to 90, with a are fun, and I learn a lot.” actively encouraged to take part so that they starting to encourage the children back to their schools to the club (including six primary and further 30 juniors in the coaching system at can see, and join in with, what their child is venues through the Junior Golf Passport, family five secondary schools). this progressive golf club. Sebastian Kini, 11, who has learning difficulties, learning. fun days and other initiatives.”
18 Junior Golf Matters | Issue 61 November 2017 www.golf-foundation.org www.golf-foundation.org Junior Golf Matters | Issue 61 November 2017 19 JGM Newsletter Issue 61 Final 06/12/2017 11:44 Page 20
Contact… Sponsors and Supporters For help and information from the Golf Foundation you can contact us at the The Foundation receives substantial financial support from a number of the major Foundation’s HQ or via our network of golfing organisations and sports bodies: Regional Development Officers (RDOs). Details for departments and the RDOs are given below.
Golf Foundation Headquarters Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre, Pindar Rd, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 0FJ Tel: +44 (0)1992 449830 www.golf-foundation.org Registered Charity No. 285917 Development Department Development Manager: Martin Crowder Tel: 07766 208195 Email: [email protected]
English Regions: • North West (Contact: Andy Leigh) Tel: 07765 258550 Email: [email protected] The Golf Foundation is committed to working with key • North East & North Yorkshire national partners to help more young people ‘Start, Learn (Contact: Ian Harvey) and Stay’ in the sport. These partners include the Tel 07818 575977 Email: [email protected] Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), England Golf, • West Midlands (Contact: Paul Aitkens) Wales Golf and Scottish Golf. Tel: 07765 258770 Email: [email protected] • East Midlands & South Yorkshire The Golf Foundation is grateful for support from the following: (Contact: Stacey Mitchell) Tel: 07818 575990 Email: [email protected] • South Central (Contact: Jason Sorrell) Tel 07765 258440 Email: [email protected] • Central (Contact: Alice Lowe) Tel: 07824 552663 Email: [email protected] • South West (Contact: Tom Sparks) Tel: 07765 258990 Email: [email protected] • South (Contact: Andy Wright) Tel: 07765 258110 Email: [email protected] • East Region (Contact: Katie Moggan) If you would like to join the growing list of companies that share in our vision Tel: 07917 334976 and wish to support grass roots junior golf activity then please contact us on Email: [email protected] 01992 449830. • South East (Contact: Daisy Brierley) Tel: 07590 893299 Email: [email protected] Golf Foundation policy statements Welsh Regions: • North Wales (Contact: Dilwyn Griffiths) The Golf Foundation has in place policies, procedures and practises relating to child safety Tel: 07968 453870 and equality that can be summarised as follows: Email: [email protected] • South Wales (Contact: Zoe Thacker) Child Protection Equality Tel: 01633 436049 The Golf Foundation is fully committed The Golf Foundation is fully Email: [email protected] to ensuring that golf provides a safe committed to supporting the • Mid and West Wales (Contact: Stuart Finlay) Tel: 07896 944555 environment in which children can principle and practice of equality Email: [email protected] learn about the sport without fear of of opportunity. www.golfdevelopmentwales.org abuse in its various forms. Scotland: • ClubGolf Tel: 01334 461 361 www.clubgolfscotland.com Copies of the full child protection policy for golf and the Golf Foundation’s equality policy statement are available on the Golf Foundation’s website: Marketing Department Marketing Manager: Sarah Sorrell www.golf-foundation.org. Tel: 01992 449830 Email: [email protected] Press Officer: Ben Evans www.facebook.com/TheGolfFoundation Tel: 01747 820384 @GolfRootsHQ Email: [email protected] www.youtube.com/GolfFoundationTV Administration/Accounts Finance and Administration Department Finance Manager: James McAllister Email: [email protected] www.golf-foundation.org