Lucky 13 pass out at Strathlene

September 2009

Thirteen children from the Buckie area are the latest recruits to complete Strathlene Golf Club’s clubgolf Stage 1 course.

“The course went very well and the children enjoyed it immensely,” said clubgolf Level 1 coach, Ken Anderson. “Apart from three or four of them these children were novices who had not swung a golf club before coming here for coaching.”

Strathlene has been on board with clubgolf since 2005, shortly after developing its junior-friendly training facility. Part funded by clubgolf partner, sportscotland, it comprises a golf driving range and a three hole pitch and putt course, and provides the perfect environment for clubgolf coaching.

Since beginning clubgolf coaching around 80 local children have successfully been through the club’s Stage 1 course.

“Our local Active Schools Co-ordinator introduces the Primary 5s to firstclubgolf in the local schools,” said Mr Anderson.

“On occasions we have gone into the local primary schools for a four week course after Easter and given them a flavour of golf using the SNAG gear. Then we’ve given them the opportunity to come along to Strathlene Golf Club’s training facility and take the Stage 1 course.

“In previous years we have had 60-70 children through the course. Quite a few have become members of the club and some have joining a Buckpool, which is nearer to some of them.”

Strathlene’s clubgolf coaching will resume next Easter. In the meantime Mr Anderson is working to fortify his bank of volunteer coaches.

“We have nine registered coaches at the club and we are in the process to trying encourage more to become coaches,” he said.

“We are particularly looking at parents of the kids to become coaches and we should have a coaching course in November.”