More than 40,000 school pupils across Glasgow will be able to take part in a new community programme delivering golf lessons over the next five years.
Golf It!,a unique golf concept being developed by The R&A located on the new south bank of Hogganfield Loch, is set to open next summer and is already working with three schools across the North East of the city to inspire the next generation of golfers.
The programme, which aims to introduce 42,500 pupils to golf in a fun and meaningful way, is teaching the fundamentals of the sport and helps children develop life skills and techniques that will benefit them both on and off the golf course.
READ NEXT: New Glasgow East End golf course set to open to public next summer
Each of the schools involved will receive five weeks of curricular and extracurricular golf sessions, with the programme already rolled out to over 1000 pupils across St Rose of Lima Primary School, Avenue End and Sunnyside.
The second term has also been finalised, with a further three schools scheduled to receive the programme through to mid-December. The first year will see the programme rolled out to 14 primary schools across Glasgow in total.
Alyson Mckechin, community and education activator at Golf It!, said: “Our programme has been designed to give every young person an opportunity to try golf within their time at school and, through our partnership with Active Schools and Glasgow City Council, we’re now delivering golf as part of the curriculum.
“It has been fantastic to see the pupils over the past few weeks go from not knowing how to stand or hold the golf club to quickly understanding the key fundamentals and being competitive within the sessions.”
Working with Active Schools, Golf It! currently has three modern apprentices helping to run the programme, who have each gone from having limited knowledge around the sport to confidently delivering after school clubs.
The project is part of plans to transform a Lethamhill golf course into a world class community facility in an attempt to make the sport thrive in Scotland.
The course aims to include something for everyone new to the sport as well as those golfers who already play. The new nine hole golf course will incorporate four sets of tees and an integrated ‘Go Golf It!’ par 3 tee position on each hole to encourage people of all abilities to play.
Russell Smith, general manager at Golf It!, said: “The reaction we’ve had from the first group of young people experiencing golf for the very first time has blown us away. Simplifying the game, making it fun and using equipment that everyone can use has been key to their enjoyment.
“Every participating school will be rewarded with Experience Golf It! Memberships for every pupil, and we’ll be staging a series of festivals when our venue opens next summer so the young people can test their skills and continue their golf journey with us. We can’t wait to welcome them.”
READ NEXT:
- DWP State Pension claimants warned as underpayments may not be corrected until 2024
N-Dubz star Tulisa struck in face by mobile phone during Glasgow reunion gig
Scottish households issued warning as £324 DWP payment arrives in bank accounts
Glasgow court hears shame of 'cheerio your 10-in-a row' bigot after sectarian rant at neighbour
