Junior golfers throughout Scotland are once again set to benefit from a unique partnership between the Scottish Golf Union and Loch Lomond Golf Club, which has raised more than £200,000 since 1994.
For the seventh year in a row, Loch Lomond is offering four-ball tee times to the SGU to be sold to golfers at a subsidised rate. The tee times are allocated via golf clubs and all the funds raised are ploughed back into the development of junior golf in Scotland.
The money helps to pay for coaching by Scottish PGA professionals and it is estimated that more than 10,000 boys and girls have taken up the game as a result of the scheme, which also provides starter kits for school children.
Since the project began many youngsters, including a recently formed under-14 training squad, have been able to participate in specially arranged coaching sessions at the Scottish National Golf Centre at Drumoig, in Fife.
Hamish Grey, secretary of the Scottish Golf Union, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to continue this partnership with Loch Lomond Golf Club. We know from previous years that golfers have relished the opportunity to play at such a prestigious course, knowing that at the same time they are giving something back to the next generation of golfers. The SGU is committed to improving golfing facilities and coaching opportunities for all children in Scotland no matter where they live, and this partnership plays a key role in helping us to do that. We are indebted to Loch Lomond for their continued support.”
Commenting on behalf of Loch Lomond Golf Club, vice president, Keith Williams said: “We are delighted to be continuing our association with the Scottish Golf Union for the benefit of junior golfers in Scotland. Our involvement with junior golf dates back to 1994 when we first set up the SGU agreement and since then we have also held a number of junior events at the club. Our commitment to junior golf is very important to us and it is very rewarding to see so many youngsters gaining the opportunity to improve their golf as a result of this relationship.”
Meanwhile, golf fans under the age of sixteen have another reason to smile with the news that they will be given free admission to the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond from the 12th – 15th July.
Scottish Golf Union www.scottishgolf.com