A golf festival organised by Dragon's Tooth Golf Course in
Ballachulish and High Life Highland's Active Schools team succeeded in putting
golf clubs in the hands of 50 children this week.
The festival was for Primary 6 and 7 pupils from every
school in a 30 mile radius - from Kinlochleven, Ballachulish, Glencoe, Onich
and Duror - and marks the finale of
coaching in schools this spring through ClubGolf, the national junior golf
programme supported by RBS, and backed by 18-times Major champion Jack
Nicklaus.
Tracey Jeffrey and fellow Active Schools Co-ordinator,
Roz Newman provide the driving force behind ClubGolf in schools and delivering
the introductory game to Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils . The advantage of having a course like
Dragon's Tooth supporting their schools' programme, with qualified coaches and
a fully structured programme, cannot be understated.
"Having Dragon's Tooth delivering ClubGolf coaching means that there is a pathway between the introductions we offer in schools and a local community club," said Tracey.
"The club has great facilities that are on the
doorstep of many families and they have a fabulous Wednesday night junior
programme which starts in May."
This week's festival gave a thorough introduction to golf
at a club, with workshops covering putting, pitching, chipping activities and
course management, plus a golf etiquette lesson from greenskeeper David
Lawrence.
"The emphasis of the day was fun and participation
serving as an introduction to the course, especially for those who are not
familiar with it," continued Tracey.
"We are grateful to the course for welcoming us and
letting us use their excellent facilities, and to the staff and volunteers who
give up their time to help make the festival a success.
"The festival is a crucial link in developing a golf
pathway, and is the only one to do so in the area. Last year two children from the club's junior
programme attended a schools' competition in Fort William. The Dragon's Tooth coaches are looking to
increase similar opportunities for competitive play as part of their programme
this year."
Dragon's Tooth already offers its facilities free of
charge for all ClubGolf related activities and goes the extra mile in
encouraging lifelong participation for youngsters by offering heavily
discounted annual memberships for those involved in its junior programme.
Over the coming weeks the club's coaches will be running
a series of weekly induction evenings aimed at youngster across the area.
"Holding festivals like this week's are really
important for us," said Dragon's Tooth's Director, Laurence Young. "Having
every primary school in the area attending helps increase the awareness
in the community of the club and all that we offer, particularly for the
juniors.
"The golf course is eager to support community
engagement at all ages and levels of ability.
The ClubGolf work in local primary schools is well established and we
appreciate the driving force of the High Life Highland team in making this
happen."
Said ClubGolf Regional Manager Willie MacKay, "Working
with Dragon's Tooth Golf Club has been successful because of the good
communication and cooperation between Active Schools, coaches, the club's
secretary and owner, Laurence Young. Praise also needs to go to the
greenskeeper, David Lawrence, who has improved the playing conditions and set
out the course so well for junior sessions."
Rob Eyton-Jones
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