Open Patron HSBC is celebrating the return of the world’s oldest major, The Open, to St Andrews (July 16-19) with the launch of HSBC Hour, offering an hour of free golf to children and their families at almost 300 golf clubs all over the country.
The initiative – which is part of HSBC’s “Anyone’s Game” campaign – sees the bank team up with The Golf Foundation and ClubGolf Scotland to give thousands of young people and their families an introduction to the sport during the week of The Open.
218 clubs from Birmingham to Bradford, Newcastle to Norwich, Liverpool to Lincoln plus another 82 across Scotland will offer a minimum of one hour’s free golf or coaching between the opening of tournament week (Sunday 12 July) and the climax of the blue riband event (Sunday 19 July).
The Golf Foundation is a charity committed to giving children and young people the opportunity to experience golf and the benefits it has to offer. HSBC Golf Roots is The Golf Foundation’s national development programme which promotes the sport in schools, helps youngsters into clubs, and uses golf to promote important life skills such as honesty and respect. The aim of ClubGolf Scotland is to create a development pathway from entry level through to the highest levels of achievement, enabling increased access to golf, higher participation levels, improved standards of performance, and sustained growth in the future.
HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events Giles Morgan said: “Our Anyone’s Game campaign is all about opening up the world of golf – everyone’s invited, irrespective of background, age or ability so what better way to bring this to life than to team up with The Golf Foundation and ClubGolf Scotland to open up the doors of golf clubs during the week of The Open.
“As a proud patron of the world’s oldest major we wanted to do something special to celebrate the fact that The Open is returning to the home of golf and we hope that HSBC Hour can provide a valuable first step on the ladder for thousands of young golfers. They won’t have to look far for inspiration – as the sport’s changing of the guard continues to gather pace St Andrews will welcome back to back major winner Jordan Spieth as well as last year’s runner-up and recent winner of The Players Championship Rickie Fowler. It promises to be a really special week.”
The Golf Foundation Chief Executive Brendon Pyle said: “We believe that golf is a wholesome activity that enriches the lives of those who participate in the sport so HSBC Hour absolutely makes sense for us. Our work is designed to give young people a positive experience through the medium of golf regardless of their background or circumstances.”
ClubGolf Scotland spokesperson Andy Salmon added: “The Open is back at the home of golf and our aim is to widen opportunities, increase participation in golf, and build foundations for Scottish success on the world stage so this initiative is something we fully embrace.”
For a full list of participating golf clubs go to:
For more details on HSBC’s golf activities visit www.hsbcgolf.com
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