Calum’s US Open shot will be inspirational
Muckhart member tees off at Shinnecock Hills
Calum Hill’s US Open appearance can help inspire the next generation.
That was the message coming out of Muckhart Golf Club this week as the Crook of Devon star teed-up at New York’s Shinnecock Hills.
The 23-year-old’s rise to the world stage has been an impressive one and the Perth and Kinross county club has certainly played their part.
Hill joined Muckhart aged 12 and quickly set about climbing up the golfing ladder before a move to Western New Mexico University in America.
His former junior convenor, Jan King, admits there is a terrific buzz around the club and she wants that to continue.
“It is thrilling for the juniors to know that a person can come through a normal golf club and reach the accolade that he has,” Jan said.
“My memories were that Calum had a national handicap when he came to the club. He was a wee boy, 11 or 12 roughly, when he came from Aberdour.
“In no time at all he had a five handicap and then he won the Perth and Kinross under-14 championships. The rest is history for him.
“He was selected and given coaching through the Perth and Kinross county scheme. Calum had very supportive parents and his dad is also a member of the club.”
Chris Turlik, on the board of directors at Muckhart Golf Club, echoed the view that Hill has become a role model for younger members.
“Possibly more so for the golfers playing tournaments,” Chris said.
“They are paying attention rather than the beginners who aren’t really sure what a guy is doing out on tour.
“But in the future they will read about this junior who went on to do this and that. It’s definitely an inspiration for all of them.
“When he comes back we have already earmarked him to come down and see the juniors.
“He will do that because it’s the kind of guy Calum is and the kind of family he has come from. They are committed to giving back.
“Calum’s mum and dad were at the club on Friday night with his brother. It couldn’t happen to a nicer family.”
Muckhart’s junior success has not happened by chance or overnight. Time and effort has been ploughed into the section through the years.
Chris added: “We’re not trying to produce tour golfers but it’s fantastic what Calum has done and we have some other excellent junior players.
“We’re trying to produce club golfers. Whether they are a member here one day or elsewhere, that is fine.
“We have a large junior section so they will make a lot of friends and be in amongst good company.
“The camaraderie is great and we fully support and encourage the postgolf on junior nights, where they come in and socialise.
“A junior can pay £75 for a year membership which includes five or six months of weekly coaching.
“Outside of the junior night, they have full access to the courses, practise facilities and footgolf.
“There are not many sport clubs that can provide value like that.”
The club caters for all level of player and Jan would love to see more kids taking up the game.
“We would love more junior members and all kinds of members,” she said. “There are plenty of opportunities here.
“The big thing about this club is that we have three full-size nine hole courses.
Calum Hill teed-off yesterday PICTURE: USGA/DARREN CARROLL
“The club has generously given two hours of tee-off times to the junior section on a Thursday evening and also practise facilities.
“We can provide every child new to golf with equipment.
“The situation is wonderful. It’s an outdoor sport which I think is key when so many children are going back to their computers.
“I think there is a great community spirit and the kids all get on with each other. That is one of the key things to it.”