Four the better of the region: We need golf to be more accessible

I was always one of those children who picked up a cue during and after the World Snooker Championship, a tennis racket inspired by Wimbledon and fell in love with the darts every winter during the World Championships.

I would always saunter excitedly down to the local club or park after watching the world’s best sportspeople on the telly and try to emulate the excitement of a Hendry v White Crucible final or a Taylor v Priestley showdown. Sure, the novelty would wear off until the next big thing, but the enjoyment and the skills learned never really leave you.

So after all the excitement of the Open at Carnoustie, I’d imagine there are youngsters of all ages – even the older ones – who have been excitedly hitting the driving ranges, putting greens and golf courses after being bitten by the golfing bug.

Here’s the rub though: I always felt that my parents (and therefore me) were priced out of pursuing any sort of golfing path. And I don’t see a whole lot that’s changed.

Great strides have been made in making golf more accessible to the masses and in encouraging youngsters to pick up clubs and have a go. But I still feel personally that Fife can still do much more to help in both regards.

The region is not only the birthplace of the sport but it’s a mecca for enthusiasts all over the world.

It’s home to the most diverse range of challenging courses, and with scores of courses it is little wonder it is such a celebrated golfing region.

Yet clubs have faced the struggle of appealing to new audiences to remedy falling membership.

I think the days of golf being deemed too elitist or too expensive have diminished to a certain extent.

There are plenty of ways to save money by booking discounted tee times or finding deals on equipment.

But as a dad of two little girls, I haven’t been able to find the time to hit the courses this summer at all, or the money.

I have wanted to, and was fortunate enough to get a set of clubs for nothing from a good mate. But when you consider committing to the cost of a membership plus the cost of equipment/ clothing etc, it’s little wonder people like me find it so overwhelming.

Given its prominence, Fife has to do more to not only strengthen its claim to be the Home of Golf but also reach out to more youngsters, tear them away from their Xboxes or PlayStations, and make the game more inclusive for all.

It might be costlier than the likes of football or tennis but it would be a hugely beneficial step for the next generation’s health and wellbeing.

Picture: Kris Miller. Carnoustie has benefited from the Open... and Fife can benefit from the game too.