Early figures indicate that the launch of the Golf Foundation’s new Junior Golf Passport, endorsed by the Professional Golfers’ Association, has been a resounding success.
The Junior Golf Passport is the official learning programme for the England Golf Partnership and Golf Development Wales. The Golf Foundation is “delighted” with the numbers of PGA Professionals and golf clubs who have signed up to deliver this significant coaching and business resource, which focuses on helping youngsters to get ready for regular play at the golf club.
In just four weeks since its official launch at The Golf Show in Harrogate, more than 300 clubs and 365 Professionals are now registered on the programme, already coaching more than 1,500 children in the clubs. The leading golf charity expects these numbers to rise steadily into 2014.
The scheme is ‘designed by coaches for coaches’, and features innovative thinking from coaching Professionals and expert support from the PGA. The Junior Golf Passport offers both an attractive paper booklet to be completed by child and Coach and a user-friendly interactive website (www.juniorgolfpassport.org) for the same purpose.
Project leader Sarah Tennyson, Marketing Manager for the Golf Foundation, said: “We have been delighted with the response of PGA Professionals who understand that the Junior Golf Passport can enhance their coaching and business portfolio.
“Feedback is also showing us that youngsters are really enjoying the Junior Golf Passport and the fact that plenty of families are taking an interest is fantastic news. PGA Professionals report that as family members support their child at the club, this can lead to greater spending in areas like the restaurant and the club’s pro shop and also lead to enquiries about membership.”
Jonathan Pearson, PGA Professional and Head of Junior Development at Cookridge Hall Golf Club in Yorkshire, is one of a number of PGA Pro’s who were consulted in the development of the scheme.
Jonathan said: “The Junior Golf Passport is really well presented, is straightforward for the PGA Pro to use and for the children it’s exciting. The main strength is that it really engages well with the parents. The whole family can be involved in this experience and that is great for youngsters and also of course for the PGA Pro and the entire golf club.
“I think it adds to the professional service we can offer youngsters and families. We can communicate really well online between coaching sessions, and boys and girls are fully focused as they continue through each stage of their Junior Golf Passport – Putting, Short Game, Swing, On the Course, Prepare for Golf, Fit for Golf, and Skills for Life. Parents can understand this and want to be involved as well, which is great.”
The price to register for the Junior Golf Passport is £100. PGA Pros can register now at www.juniorgolfpassport.org
HSBC Golf Roots and the Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org