The brainchild of Alasdair Good, head professional at Gullane Golf Club, the Wee Wonders Open Golf Championship covers the whole of Great Britain and Ireland. It provides a national avenue for boys and girls aged 5 – 12 to progress from coaching programmes into the challenge and fun of competitive golf. Competitors have 36 shots and place their flag where their final shot finishes. Developed in 1995, the tournament has grown every year, and now has almost 3,000 competitors at 81 qualifying events and regional finals across Great Britain and Ireland.
HSBC’s new association is part of a broader commitment to golf, from the grassroots level to its title sponsorship of golf’s premier match play event – the HSBC World Match Play, and will further enable Wee Wonders to grow from strength to strength. The 2004 event is likely to attract even more than the 3,000 entrants who took part in 2003.
This new sponsorship with HSBC, the world’s second largest bank, is initially a one-year deal but one that all parties hope continues well into the future. William Parry, head of sponsorship at HSBC, said, ” In addition to our sponsorship of the HSBC World Match Play, we have made a commitment to support golf at all levels from the grassroots up. The HSBC Wee Wonders Open Golf Championship is one of the few golf tournaments in the British Isles that gives children aged up to 12 years the chance to compete against each other. We are very proud to be associated with an event that is well known and well respected”.
Alasdair Good, president of Wee Wonders, commented, “Having grown the event for nine years, now is the right time to introduce major sponsorship and HSBC, with their pedigree, fit extremely well. They are already very supportive in the growth of junior golf and a most welcome partner in developing our Championships.”
Sandy Jones chief executive of the PGA said, “The PGA have been delighted to be the title sponsor for the Wee Wonders Championship in recent years and now very much welcome the involvement of HSBC. With the HSBC investment this year and into the future the event can grow considerably bringing a wonderful playing and fun opportunity to all the young boys and girls throughout the U.K. who take part in this Championship. The PGA will of course remain associated and committed to the Championship in 2004.”
Mike Round, chief executive of The Golf Foundation, said, “The Wee Wonders event provides an ideal competitive outlet for youngsters who have learnt the game through Tri-Golf, also supported by HSBC, or who are involved with coaching activity at our Dunlop Starter Centres.”
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