Clubgolf is Scotland’s national initiative for introducing children to the game, developing junior golfers and encouraging participation at golf clubs. In 2009, clubgolf introduced 38,784 children to golf in schools and 10,436 took part in coaching at clubs across the country.
Dornoch’s BA (Hons) Golf Management programme has recently included a module designed to introduce the students to coaching children in golf. Working in conjunction with clubgolf, the students have completed the PGA Level 1 coaching award and are running coaching sessions with primary five pupils at Dornoch Primary School.
The sessions have been designed to introduce the pupils to the game through fun, instructive sessions and to encourage them to continue their golf at sessions available at local golf clubs such as Royal Dornoch.
The PGA qualification allows the students to continue their own development in coaching. With further training and experience they can progress to Level 1 Advanced and Level 2 coaches. This allows them to assist in the delivery of coaching at clubs at clubgolf Stages 1 and 2.
Alan Fleming, a lecturer on the Golf Management programme and a PGA Professional feels that the introduction of this scheme to the programme is beneficial to all parties involved. “This module allows the students and the college to interact with the local community, introduces the students to the national initiatives, allows them to gain coaching experience as well as assisting the programmes currently running at local clubs and the school.”
Willie Mackay, clubgolf Regional Manager for the Highlands agreed, saying “The students now have a clear vision of ‘how to coach’ and also ‘what to coach’ and when they qualify from their degree course in golf management they will have gained considerable practical coaching experience through placements at Golf Clubs in the Dornoch Firth area as well as coaching primary 5 pupils at Dornoch Primary where they "cut their teeth" as it were and put their new coaching skills into action. Their efforts will allow existing coaches focus on current juniors gaining full CONGU handicaps.”
Recently, North Highland College has sponsored the junior Highland golf championship held in Aviemore in October, with entry to the championships being open to all under 18s from Highland, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. Organised by Highland Council golf development manager, further details can be had from Willie MacKay, Golf Manager,Council Offices, Drummuie, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6TA, Tel: 01408635212 and 07956540575 Email: willie.mackay@highland.gov. Entry forms for the competition will be issued to all Golf Clubs and Secondary Schools in the areas in August 2010.
The photograph shows Willie Mackay, Highland Junior Golf Manager accepting a cheque for the £500 sponsorship from Alan Fleming, lecturer in Golf Management at The NHC-Dornoch UHI and PGA Professional.