Junior golf programme teed-up at Blair

Blairgowrie Golf Club is teeing-up a new junior golf programme.

Recently promoted club professional Neil Cameron will team-up with experienced Scots professional and broadcaster Alan Tait to roll out the GolPhin initiative.

Youngsters in the five to 12 age group, along with their parents and friends, are welcome to attend an April 1 event at the club. It will run from 6-7.30pm.

Alan will present GolPhin’s “Mypathway2Golf” and take part in a Q&A session at the club which hosted the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup.

The evening, which is open to nonmembers, will include Fun Dart Golf, with prizes for the kids.

“Blairgowrie Golf Club is very keen to recruit and retain junior members,” said Neil, who stepped-up from the assistant’s role when long-time pro Charles Dernie retired last year. “We have been getting out and about in local schools giving youngsters taster classes.

“Alan is going around the country mapping out their vision and we are delighted to support him. The GolPhin programme is designed to add more structure to our own junior coaching, and that of other Perthshire clubs.

“It also makes golf exciting for kids, with games and practice sessions, skill challenges and more interaction between youngsters, parents and their coaches.

“GolPhin have developed an app which goes far beyond golf. It encourages everything from time-keeping to numeracy, diet and working as part of a team.

“We have to accept youngsters like their computer games, embrace that and try to tempt them into golf. The app is like a computer game in many ways, unlocking rewards when they reach certain levels.”

Blairgowrie managing secretary Steven Morgan added: “Every club is looking to attract the next generation of golfers and we have a range of packages in place.”

Young golfers Declan Gray, who is progressing his PGA qualifications at Dornoch, and Stirling University student Fraser Matthews, a former Blairgowrie junior captain, are helping with youth development at the club.

All parents, kids and friends are welcome. Call Neil on 01250 873116 or email neil.cameron1986@btinternet. com to book places.