Thousands of golf clubs across the UK are being invited to take part in a brand new juniors‘ competition launched by the PGA and Glenmuir, one of Europe’s leading golf apparel brands.
A nationwide search has started to find the golf club Junior Section of the Year, which aims to recognise and reward the fantastic efforts of golf clubs and PGA professionals in promoting the game to youngsters and ensuring future generations of golfers.
A distinguished panel, chaired by former European Tour supremo Ken Schofield and including broadcaster Renton Laidlaw, the Golf Foundation’s Mike Round, Duncan Weir from the R&A and Glenmuir’s Marketing Director Andy Bough, will select winners from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
An overall winner of the Junior Section of the Year award will have the added bonus of receiving the illustrious title at the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship being held at historic Moortown Golf Club, Leeds – the first British venue for the Ryder Cup back in 1929 – where juniors will also play in the tournament pro-am.
Clubs will be rated on a range of criteria including size of junior section, coaching programmes available, initiatives to encourage girls to play, competitive opportunities, access to practice facilities and recognition in the community as a junior-friendly club.
“An enormous amount of work goes on to promote golf to youngsters through the efforts of our PGA professionals and volunteers, both at their clubs and through the local community, and this award sets out to recognise that work,” said PGA chief executive Sandy Jones.
Andy Bough, Glenmuir marketing director, said, “We are delighted to have teamed up with the PGA to stage this new competition as we fully support the need to encourage youngster to take up the game – and continue to enjoy it into adulthood.
“We launched our first ever Golfing Kids clothing range this year and regard the development of young golfers as critical to the future success of golf.”
The club voted the best junior section will not only enjoy the envy of other rival clubs but also receive £1,000 worth of clothing from Glenmuir’s new Golfing Kids range.
National winners will also be awarded plaques plus Glenmuir junior shirts worth £750.
Closing date for entries to the competition is 9th May with further information available from Laraine Beeching on 01675 470333 or email laraine.beeching@pga.org.uk.
PGA www.PGA.info
Glenmuir www.glenmuir.co.uk