Two of the best scoring players at The Open Championship this year were actually found to be using non-conforming equipment.
Golf’s most famous twins, Ladies’ European Tour players Sam Head and Jo Mundy, swapped metal clubs and multi-layered balls for plastic Tri-Golf clubs and soft golf balls as they enjoyed quick-fire games with youngsters to profile HSBC Golf Roots during Open Championship week.
Sam and Jo were guests of the leading golf charity the Golf Foundation, whose team was bringing golf to youngsters in the R&A Swingzone all week, courtesy of The R&A.
HSBC Golf Roots aims to reach one million youngsters a year by 2013, in support of the national plans for the growth of the game in England, Scotland and Wales.
The twins first played the boys and girls in colourful golf relays testing speed, accuracy, co-operation and teamwork, before having a try at the frenetic ‘Open Championship Challenge’ against the clock. With excellent scoring (Jo earned 83 points and Sam 107), the LET stars beat a number of the Open Championship competitors who had taken part (indeed, Sam was runner-up to challenge winner Brian Davis in a 10-player field).
Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “Provided as we are with this excellent facility by The R&A, we have been very fortunate to welcome some great players to support HSBC Golf Roots this week.
“HSBC Golf Roots is all about giving youngsters the opportunity to play golf and learn life skills. Jo Mundy and Sam Head have been absolutely fantastic in their encouragement of the boys and girls on a number of visits, putting a smile on the faces of children and the Golf Foundation team alike. They are great ambassadors for the Ladies’ European Tour.”
Jo and Sam have become HSBC Golf Roots Ambassadors alongside Alison Nicholas, Rebecca Hudson, Felicity Johnson, Kirsty Taylor, Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, Lee Westwood, Ken Brown and radio presenter DJ Spoony.
During The Open week the Golf Foundation has been sharing the R&A Swingzone with the PGA, who have been giving free lessons to juniors and adults as part of the organisation’s commitment to growing the game.
Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org