The TGI Golf Partnership Foundation has provided a huge boost to the fledgling charity the Children’s Golf Trust with a three-year cash injection.
It is hoped that the financial support given by TGI Golf will allow the charity to move from its local roots in Troon to become a national charity supporting junior golf across the UK & Ireland.
The Children’s Golf Trust is the brainchild of Royal Troon PGA Professional and TGI Golf Partner Kieron Stevenson who founded the charity following a successful initiative by his team who visited local schools providing golf lessons that went hand in hand with the curriculum.
Over the course of 15 months Kieron and his assistants Adam, Gary and Euan gave up 500 hours voluntarily to bring golf to 7,500 children in the area. However, as they looked to move into a second year providing the service, it became apparent it would not be sustainable without a cash injection.
“It was something we loved doing and we could see the benefits it was bringing to the community, the golf club and most importantly the children,” said Kieron. “We didn’t want to stop, but simply couldn’t continue without financial support.”
So the Children’s Golf Trust was born in May this year with plans to provide golf for all primary school children.
Stevenson, who has taken on the role of ambassador to the charity, which is run by a group of trustees, explains how it works.
“Unless children experience golf at Primary School age they are highly unlikely to take up the game and the vast majority of schools do not have golf as part of the curriculum. So the Children’s Golf Trust was formed to change this and to allow all children within Primary Schools the chance to try golf in a safe, fun environment and to hopefully get their golfing journey started.
“The charity will fund PGA Professionals to provide golf for primary school children in their area by delivering golf lessons at the school during term time, followed by after school sessions at the school and golf clubs and finally running fun golf festivals in the local area.
“TGI Golf are the first golf body to really get behind the charity so we are incredibly grateful to the Foundation for the support we have received. This will allow us to continue our plans to grow the charity and encourage more children into golf.”
Eddie Reid, TGI Golf Managing Director, added: “Having seen the hard work and dedication shown by Kieron and the team at the Children’s Golf Trust we had no hesitation in supporting such a forward-thinking initiative. Not only does it encourage youngsters into golf, but also encourages PGA Professionals to step out of the comfort of the golf shop and into the communities, creating a reputation for themselves and the game which isn’t always available to the younger generation.
“We are delighted to make this contribution over the next three years to help develop the scheme from its local roots to national status.”
The TGI Golf Foundation was formed by the TGI Golf Partnership, golf’s leading retail services group to back the many good causes supported by its Partners and golf in general.
Pictured top: Kieron Stevenson and his team from Troon with pupils at Troon Primary School. Pictured are teacher Karen McClymont, Garry Foley & Adam Rolfe (Assistant Pro) Kieron Stevenson (Pro) and Alasdair Cameron (Troon Captain)