James Erskine is driving forward with a mission to introduce golf to Dumfriesshire’s schools – thanks to a helping hand from supporters.
The Dumfries and County Golf Club head professional golfer’s master stroke is to encourage junior boys and girls in the game that Scotland gave to the world.
He began with trying to get golf onto the curriculum in Dumfries schools and it has been a success with teachers and pupils enjoying sessions as additional PE.
However, fitting in a golfing programme within the constraints of education budgets has been a difficult task.
James, though, was determined to overcome the obstacle and approached Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club for help.
With additional input from the council’s education director, Gillian Brydson, Rotary members have been helping to develop his plan to grow the game in schools.
Devorgilla Rotary along with Barbours & Sons Ltd donated £1,000 and £500 respectively, to purchase junior clubs. The plan is to have clubs available in different sizes so that all the youngsters involved can have the opportunity to progress.
James said: “My ultimate aim is for children from the whole of the region, regardless of background, to be offered the chance to learn the game of golf. Golf can offer youngsters the chance of being able to play a sport which has long lasting benefits.”
He hopes to hopes to start a Golf Academy for juniors.
James added: “This would be open to all youngsters and would also be available for local schools to further expand the game, hopefully encouraging future champions from the region.”
His own golfing education started in Portpatrick where he was fortunate to have a par three golf course attached to his club which was an excellent learning environment.
James explained: “Most Golf Clubs have junior medal competitions but this opportunity can be limited to only a few children. If they do offer this competition, clubs sometimes put the youngsters out onto a 350 yard hole resulting in their confidence very quickly eroding.
Devorgilla Rotarians met up with James and some youngsters at the County on Friday to hand over junior clubs before they set off on their final Drive, Chip and Putt Competition.
