East Lothian children inspired by the Amateur experience

Gullane PS children with pros and assistant pros from Gullane and North Berwick GCs

As invitations go the offer of coaching clinics at the Amateur proved irresistible and unforgettable for local youngsters involved in clubgolf coaching.

Over 70 plus children, from North Berwick's clubgolf programme and Gullane primary school, spent the day at Muirfield on Friday watching the action and improving their own skills in coaching clinics.

"We want to give local children a flavour of top class amateur golf by inviting them to the venue that will stage the open championship in 2012," said Duncan Weir, the R&A Director of Golf Development.

Gullane PS children with Gullane GC assistant pro, Jordan Ramanauskas

"Matteo Manassero, who won the event last year, went on to do very well in the open at Turnberry. He has since done exceptionaly well and is now playing full time on the PGA European tour. Some of the talent on show at Muirfield this week will do likewise."

"This is a great opportunity for local children to sample some of that and be enthused and attracted to golf by seeing top young stars of tomorrow playing on a championship course."

"Who Knows, some of the people they bare watching might well be in the Open when it returns here in 2012."

Judging from the children's reaction's, the day was a success on every front. "We had a brilliant time and did chipping, putting and full swing, "said Gullane P7 pupil Katherine Walker, who was introduced to golf through clubgolf's introductory game and now plays regularly with her gandparents and father, a clubgolf volunteer coach.

Along with her classmates, 12 year old Katherine was coached at Muirfield by pros from Gullane and North Berwick Golf Clubs. "Chipping was the best thing about today," she said. "We learnt about positioning your body and your hands on the club and it's something i'm going to go away and practise."

Duncan Weir, the R&A Director of Golf Development tees off in front of children and volunteer coaches from North Berwick clubgolf

Clubgolf is making a big impact in East Lothian. It's introductory game, firstclubgolf, is being rolled out in every primary school, to over 1000 children for the 3rd year in succession. Eleven local golf clubs are supporting the programme with the next stages of coaching.

To Handle the large numbers of children progressing through the programme three local clubs - North Berwich, The Glen and Tantallon- work collectively under the "North Berwick clubgolf" umbrella to give around 115 children a top notch programme. For 45 of these children, an afternoon at the Amateur will make all the difference.

Children and volunteer coaches from North Berwick clubgolf

"The more we can get children involved by playing and spectating, the more enthused they will be," said Joan Lunn, North Berwick's clubgolf coordinator.

"our children had never been to a big event like this before. After the coaching a huge number scooted back to North Berwick and were away afterwards playing in a junior texas scramble.

"It was a super day for the children and it also showcased clubgolf. A lot of people came over and spoke to us about clubgolf programmes in their own clubs, so it was great for networking.

"It was fantastic of Muirfield, the R&A abd clubgolf to give us this fabulous opportunity."


Courtesy of Rob Eyton-Jones
clubgolf media manager