Young golfers try greens
More than 30 youngsters braved the drizzle to enjoyCHBJunior Golf’s inaugural session at Waipawa Golf Club late last month.
So far 38 children have registeredwithCHBJunior Golf, a new group for children who have not played golf before, or do not have amembership or handicap at a golf course.
Subsidised by sponsors Gifford Devine Lawyers, youngsters pay $5 per fortnight to play three or sixhole mini tournaments and other skills games over four fortnights, and then receive amembership at either the Waipawa, Waipukurau, Takapau orOngaOnga golf clubs.
Waipawa Primary school teacher TimWaite said he and wife Sharee decided to created the group aftermoving to the district from Wanganui.
“We are initially an introduction to golf in CHB, butwill provide outside coaching and junior club days after the four fortnights,” he said.
“We decided to set this up because therewas nothing like this in Central Hawke’sBay. Our daughter Michaela played in Wanganui, wherewemoved from, andwewanted to provide something for her and the other kids inCHB,” said Tim. He described the club’s first session on March 26 as “very successful”.
“There were more than 30 children participating and a lot of parents and grandparents supporting them,” he said.
Akeen golfer, Tim said the game provided a lot of benefits for youngsters.
“Golf allows children to form friendships, engage in physical activity and learn important life skills while enjoying the outdoors.”
Local golf clubs had been supportive and the sport did not necessarily have to be an expensive at a junior level.
“At our first sessionwe received some help fromWaipawa Golf Club members who offered directions to holes and a bit of coaching. Wehave also received some golf clubs and balls, but are still on the look out for more. One golf club has dropped their junior membership prices to accommodate the children. As long as you can pick up some secondhand or hand-me-down clubs, it’s actually a pretty cheap sport. Memberships at most golf clubs for juniors are normally only a single green fee,” Tim said.
Scores were not kept in the three-hole competition, butEvan Simpson and TomBaines won the six-hole competition at the club’s inaugural meeting, while all the players received goodie bags and prizesfrom sponsors, including GiffordDevine, Subway, Mr Apple and Carters.
Parentswho want to register their children ahead of the next meeting on April 9, or potential sponsors, can contact Tim on 020 4 064 3175.