West Lothian club's summer drive to help youngsters get into the game of golf
A summer programme for primary school pupils at a West Lothian golf club went a fair way to help them make the most of their summer holidays while learning the game from a PGA pro coach.
The Get into Golf Summer Programme at Greenburn Golf Club in Fauldhouse was aimed at P6 and P7 children from schools in the local are and culminated on Thursday, August 7.
The project was jointly funded by West Lothian Council and Greenburn Golf Club. A total of 13 youngsters attended, with each receiving a certificate of participation and a membership of Greenburn Golf Club until January 31, 2027.
Coaching was delivered by PGA Professional David MacMullen who used the club's modern and well equipped Indoor Trackman Studio as well as the club's practice facilities and the golf course itself.
Sets of golf clubs were provided to the children during the five-week programme, which included an introduction into the rules and etiquette of the game, fundamental techniques like grip, stance and swing.
Participants were given a small polyester golf bag with golf tees, golf ball, marker, pitch fork, pencil, sharpie pen, chocolate bar, and a bottle of water – to get them started. Lunch and refreshments were also provided each day.
Club Captain June Close said: 'Overall the numbers were lower than anticipated, but this provided for more time to be given to the children on an individual basis which no doubt helped them gain a quicker understanding of the game and also helped to encourage them to be patient and not to be disheartened by their mistakes.'
June took the opportunity to express a huge and sincere thanks to club member Colin McRobb and Shaun Smith Director at Sandy Davidson Ltd for their kind donations of golf balls and markers; Colin Martin Trustee at Sports & Well-Being For All Trust for his donation of bottled water; and helpers Brian Carbray and Lauren Reid and PGA Golf Professional David MacMullen for their time and patience with the children.
In addition to the introduction to golf programme, the club organised a coach trip last month to the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club North Berwick where 36 young people accompanied by nine adult volunteers spent a great day following and watching their favourite professionals in glorious sunshine.
June added: 'Thanks to all the volunteers on our coach trip too, and to all the children themselves who from their own feedback had a great time and are now aspiring to achieve great success in the game.'
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