England Golf has launched an exciting new development initiative called the Get into Golf National Skills Challenge. This project demonstrates how England Golf is now implementing initiatives which help to develop the game of golf in both schools and clubs.
Following a national pilot in 2005, the Get into Golf National Skills Challenge has been designed for junior players under 18 years of age and aims to help both boys and girls embrace vital elements of the game, such as putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play and full swing.
The Rookie and Tour Challenges consist of a series of activities for golf clubs to run throughout the year. Following three Seasonal Challenges, the EGU/ELGA will hold a National Final for those top participants at Woodhall Spa.
Roger Moreland from England Golf commented, “We are delighted that the Get into Golf National Skills Challenge fits into England Golf’s player pathway and it is crucial that golf clubs are supported to recruit and retain youngsters within the game.”
To allow interaction between golf clubs, junior players and the EGU/ELGA, the National Skills Challenge is an online initiative and all information can be found at www.getintogolf.org/skills. The EGU/ELGA hope that the appropriate golf club representatives will take the opportunity to view the details of this programme and consider signing up to become a ‘National Skills Centre’.
The 2006 challenge dates are as follows:
Seasonal Challenge 1 – Saturday 8th April to Sunday 14th May
Seasonal Challenge 2 – Saturday 20th May to Sunday 25th June
Seasonal Challenge 3 – Saturday 1st July to Sunday 6th August
National Final – Saturday 16th September at Woodhall Spa Golf Club
Richard Flint EGU Development Manager added, “The Get into Golf National Skills Challenge is an exciting and interactive initiative, using the practical resources provided by the golf club and the online features on the website that allow youngsters to maintain their interest between Challenges.”
For information on how golf clubs and players can register to take part in the National Skills Challenge go to www.getintogolf.org/skills or alternatively contact the EGU/ELGA Development Team. Upon registration golf clubs will receive a number of resources for junior participants, including rookie and tour manuals and other guidance materials.
The Get into Golf National Skills Challenge is an initiative jointly provided by the EGU and ELGA via the England Golf Partnership’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf – an initiative supported by Sport England that identifies how England Golf will achieve its vision of being ‘The Leading Golf Nation in the World by 2020‘ from grass roots right through to the elite level.