New golf programme for Shetland children

A new programme designed to encourage children in Shetland to develop an interest in golf and adopt a moractive lifestyle was launched at the Clickimin Centre in Lerwick.

The Shetland Junior Golf Action Plan is linked to Scotland’s National Junior Golf Development programme, clubgolf, a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, Professional Golfers Association, The Golf Foundation and sportscotland that aims to create the opportunity for every child to experience golf by age nine, and to increase junior participation in golf in Scotland.

The Shetland Junior Golf Action Plan aims to:

Introduce 500 nine year olds in Shetland to firstclubgolf (clubgolf’s introductory game, delivered in school) programme by 2009
Retain 140 nine to fifteen year olds in Shetland’s clubgolf programme from 2009
Increase the number of girls playing golf in Shetland by 10 percent in 2008 and 2009
Increase junior membership numbers at golf clubs
Develop and sustain a base of PGA Level 1 qualified volunteer coaches, increasing the opportunity for children to sustain an interest in golf
Create a facility infrastructure for golf development which supports increased participation at Club level.

Shetland’s Junior Golf Action Plan is already making its mark. Shetland Golf Club and Whalsay Golf Clubs have signed up to clubgolf and will run coaching programmes this summer. Twenty local golfers are qualified as PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches, ready to deliver clubgolf Stage 1, a 40 hour course covering the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette, over the next two years at the two clubs.

Stimulating the interest within local schools is clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf. Launched by former Open Champion, Paul Lawrie, firstclubgolf uses multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets to give nine year olds an enjoyable and safe first experience of the game within the boundaries of the school.

In 2007 alone, 26,000 nine year olds in Scotland were introduced to golf through firstclubgolf, including 180 youngsters in 12 schools in Shetland. In 2008, firstclubgolf will rollout to all primary schools in Shetland, delivered by the Active Schools Team from Shetland Islands Council, with the support of school PE staff.

"The potential for juniors to play golf in Shetland is immense,” said Willie MacKay, clubgolf’s Highlands & Islands Regional Manager:

“Whalsay and Shetland Golf Clubs have marvellous courses which both hosted the golf programme of the 2005 NatWest Island Games. With both soon to have improved junior facilities there will be a pathway from beginner through to elite player.

“There are further golf facilities at Asta and few other local authorities can boast a walk on 9-hole course like the Knab where beginners in the Lerwick area can play free of charge once they learn the basic skills through the clubgolf Stage 1 coaching.

“The primary pupils are having great fun with firstclubgolf introductory game at school and the enthusiasm of the volunteer coaches in the clubs is breath-taking.

“Now the Action Plan is in place we will see the continuing growth of golf Shetland and with modern video links the islands are set for a remote coaching pilot with links to mainland professionals."