Learning golf at the Manor
Four hundred children did more than just watching the golf at the Wales Open, getting a taste of taking part in the Golf Development Wales Tri-Golf tent.
Golf Development Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort provided tickets to school groups, while the European Tour sponsored the Golf Development Area at the Wales Open, to provide a reward for Newport Schools who are currently delivering Dragon Sport Tri –Golf in their schools
Over 1500 children in Newport participated in Dragon Sport Tri –Golf last year. Golf Development Wales’ main aim is to ensure that there are clear links from Tri-Golf to club activity.
The two Ryder Cup Legacy fund facilities, beginner facilities that have be created as a result of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Ryder Cup Bid commitment, at Llanwern Golf Club and Caerleon Golf Club provided information to each participate on how to take up golf.
Information consisting of mini course membership and free or discount structured group lessons. Golf Professionals from Woodlake Park and Llanwern Golf Club were also on hand to give their expert advice.
‘It was amazing to see the faces of the children, as they stopped their activities and watched the next Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie walk down the 18th fairway and blast his second shot onto the 18th green,” said Zoe Thacker, Golf Development Officer for South Wales!
Among those helping the children through their paces was 18-year-old Matthew Murray who was one of the qualified helpers for the school parties and spectators who dropped in.
18-year-old Gorseinon College student Murray may only be a few years older than the children he was delivering activities to, but he was delighted with the response.
“The reaction has been great in fairness, giving them points for their shots even if it is only around 10. Quite a few have gone away but then wanted to come back because they were really enjoying it,” said the five-handicapper.
“We have had hundreds of kids, about thirteen schools in total, but it has been a good laugh.
“We have just been telling them the basics really, getting the feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in the middle of the stance, then letting them get on with it – you want them to enjoy it rather than get overloaded technically.”
Tri-golf involved an oversized plastic club and tennis-sized Velcro ball which sticks to the targets set out around the netting. It is an easier way of trying to get used to the basics of golf and be attracted into the game.
With school parties as well as families just watching the European stars at Celtic Manor, the Golf Development Wales tent was one of the busiest at the Wales Open throughout the four days of play.
Murray plays off a handicap of five and is going to UWIC in Cardiff to do a sports conditioning and massage degree, he also helps out with the junior coaching at the Grove club in Porthcawl.
Golf Development Wales child protection officer Mike Rees is a member at the Grove and he suggested Matthew help out at the Wales Open.
“I have done all the qualifications for Tri-Golf, ASQ Level One Golf , and Mike put my name forward because I am helping with the coaching of the juniors at the Grove,” explained Murray.
“I help out with 6-11 year-olds and also help out with the junior coaching on Saturday.
“He asked if I wanted to come up to this and I managed to get time off college to do it so I am up here all four days
“I started coaching in lots of sports two years ago, but doing golf properly for the last 18 months or so.
“I want to get down to scratch and will stay involved in golf when I go to UWIC to study. I want to get the grades behind me first and then see what happens with golf.”
This was a great opportunity to link the GDW schemes and initiatives to a European Tour event and for participants to be inspired by top touring professionals. The European Tour, the Celtic Manor Resort, Dragon Sport and the support from local Volunteers and professional to made this opportunity possible.