Junior golf flying high in Scotland

Scottish golf is flying high through clubgolf. In the past year clubgolf has introduced more than two thirds of Scotland’s Primary 5 children to golf. Meanwhile, junior activity in Scotland’s golf clubs is booming with over 8,500 children developing their skills through clubgolf coaching.

Clubgolf is the partnership between the Scottish Golf Union (SGU), the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA), the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), the Golf Foundation and Sportscotland.

Launched in 2003 following Scotland’s successful bid to host the 2014 Ryder Cup, clubgolf represents the Scottish Government’s commitment to create the opportunity for every nine year old in Scotland to play golf and enjoy the game for life.

In 2008, a year of remarkable growth, clubgolf achieved the following:

33,600 Primary 5 children in 1320 of Scotland’s primary schools played golf through clubgolf’s introductory game, ‘firstclubgolf’
8,563 children took part in clubgolf coaching programmes at 233 golf clubs and facilities
1137 qualified volunteer coaches delivered clubgolf coaching in these clubs and facilities

In 2009 the number of children taking part in clubgolf programmes at clubs and facilities is expected to rise to 10,000.

Hamish Grey, SGU Chief Executive Officer said, “clubgolf is an integral part of the SGU and SLGA’s structured coaching programmes and we are delighted to see it making such significant progress, enabling more youngsters than ever before to play the game.

“These latest figures show that Scottish Golf is achieving one of our key goals, that of ‘growing the game’. With the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles drawing ever closer now is the perfect time to increase participation and help our youngsters develop their talent. With the success of the programme and the wealth of opportunities now available for young golfers, clubgolf is already helping to create a legacy beyond 2014.”

Meanwhile this year the bar will rise higher for clubgolf’s introductory game in schools. With firstclubgolf set to be included in curriculum at more than three quarters of Scotland’s primary schools this year, clubgolf is targeting a further 38,000 new recruits to golf.

To read more go to the clubgolf website