SCHOOL pupils are having a ball learning how to play golf after establishing links with a local club thanks to a unique new scheme.

Gourock Primary has teamed up with Gourock Golf Club to ensure the sport reaches a wider audience to give youngsters every opportunity to play.

The project was teed up by Graeme Hyett from Inverclyde Active Schools/Sports Development and is being funded by a grant of just under £3,500 from Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All scheme.

It will see golf lessons delivered to pupils and other Gourock primary and secondary students and will create a pathway for youngsters to develop their game at the local club.

The lottery grant has helped pay for coaching and new equipment and it is hoped the project will help the game thrive locally.

Graeme, Active Schools co-ordinator for Gourock, said: “The community schools pathway project is an initiative to connect Gourock Golf Club with the local schools to give children an opportunity to experience golf and to enter onto a golfing pathway from school to club.

“Gourock Golf Club will deliver sessions in schools, run holiday camps and junior academy evenings throughout the season to give children as much exposure to golf as possible.

“Golf is very much an inclusive sport and requires a number of skills that differ from more mainstream sports.

“The project is particularly keen to engage with girls and children who do not currently take part in sport.”

The initiative has been given the full backing of the local club, which is keen to grow its youth section.

Ian Macnaughton, Gourock Golf Club junior convener, said: “Our club has got significant assistance from Active Schools for the development of junior golf in primary and secondary schools.

“We are working with Gourock Primary and many of their pupils and the pupils from other primary and secondary schools in Gourock are participating in our academy nights.

“We’re trying to promote inclusiveness to golf and to develop the sport, which was invented here in Scotland.”

Club pro Derek Watters is also on board to offer his expertise and hopefully help unearth the next Rory McIlroy or Jordan Spieth.

He said: “We are keen to get as many kids as possible in the area to try golf and hopefully bring in a new group of junior members.

“We have a new junior academy starting in May which is open to everyone.”

The scheme is already proving a hit with youngsters at Gourock Primary.

P7 pupil Molly Galbraith said: “I’ve played golf before but we don’t get to play it at school so it will be nice to try it now and try a different sport.”
Classmate Andrew Rice is also excited about the new initiative.

He said: “It will be fun and a good experience. I want to find out more about golf.”

For more information on the Gourock Golf Club junior academy contact club pro Derek by emailing pro@gourockgolfclub.com