Gullane kids get their hands on Amateur silverware

June 2010 Children from Gullane Primary school were given a surprise at assembly today when organisers of The Amateur Championship arrived with the tournament trophy. The school, which is delivering clubgolf’s introductory game to its P5 children, has, along with other local schools and clubs, been invited to the event at Muirfield this Friday to take part in coaching clinics with professionals. clubgolf is making a significant impact in East Lothian. For the third successive year clubgolf’s introductory game will be rolled out to every primary five child, 1096 boys and girls, in the area. Eleven East Lothian clubs are already offering the next stage of the clubgolf programme, giving children who have an interest in the sport better opportunities than ever to develop their skills. With so many newcomers taking up the sport in East Lothian, clubgolf’s main aims locally are to increase the number of clubs and facilities delivering clubgolf coaching and build the player development pathway so that more children have the opportunity to develop their skills. Said Laura Rushby, clubgolf’s East Regional Manager: “The Amateur Championship is a fabulous opportunity for children in clubgolf programmes at schools and clubs to watch top level players competing. “For those children who have had an introduction to golf at school through firstclubgolf this will help encourage them to take part in clubgolf coaching at a nearby golf. “Watching top amateur players at close quarters will inspire children already involved in clubgolf coaching programmes at clubs by showing them what they could become if they stay involved and work hard. “Hopefully some of the East Lothian children watching this week’s event will be our Amateur Championship stars of the future."  ( ?!?! )  “We are very grateful to the Amateur Championship, the R&A and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers for giving our children this opportunity.” Spectators would like to watch the world’s best amateurs from 37 countries can do so Friday and Saturday with free admission and parking at Muirfield.  Public catering will be available onsite. The R&A contributes over £500,000 each year to grassroots development programmes in the UK from Open Championship revenues. Further information from Laura Rushby on: Tel:  07956 540595 Email: lrushby@clubgolfscotland.co.uk Picture credit & words  Rob Eyton-Jones t:  07775 746981 e:  rob@eyton-jones.co.uk