Kelso Golf Club's new Bronze Division champion, 13-year-old Leanne Wilson, strikes the ball under the guidance of Steve Johnson, PGA professional at nearby Roxburghe (image by Rob Eyton-Jones).

Leanne (13) success shows Kelso girls' scheme is working

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY CLUBGOLF
A programme set up by Kelso Golf Club to give more girls the opportunity to play golf and become club members achieved another notable success on the weekend when 13 year old Leanne Wilson became Bronze Division champion at the Borders Ladies County Championship.
Leanne was one of the initial intake on the club’s girls-only coaching programme in 2006, created by Kelso lady members Fiona Ker and Eleanor Pearson to reverse the direction of a girls membership which had dwindled to zero.
After meeting with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, the club decided to offer a girls-only coaching programme.
Fiona and Eleanor both became qualified PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches through clubgolf. Working with the local Active Schools Co-ordinator and clubgolf Regional Manager, they linked with the local schools and community groups. Steve Johnson, PGA Professional at nearby Roxburgh, lent his support from the 2008.
All involved were under no illusion it would take time, dedication and hard work to rebuild the girls' section but four years on that is exactly what is happening.
“All the girls were complete beginners when they started and we are delighted that they are all doing so well,” said Fiona.
“Three of them now have ladies handicaps; Leanne (29), Laura Matthewson (27), and the other, Danielle Ker (16) has recently been picked to play for the South team competing at Ballumbie Castle next month (in the annual inter-divisional girls' match-play tournament).
“There are another three girls who will hopefully get junior handicaps by the start of next season. Six girls have now become club members so all our work has been worth it. A new intake will be starting this month so hopefully the trend will continue.
“What has made the difference is keeping the girls in the same group, organising a social side and keeping in regular communication. If it can work here then it can work in other clubs too.”
clubgolf is laying strong foundations for golf by introducing Primary 5 children to the game in schools. In the Borders this year clubgolf is aiming to have 960 children playing its introductory game, firstclubgolf, which employs modified equipment, is taught by school staff and supported by Active Schools Co-ordinators to give children an enjoyable introduction to the game.
Earlier this year Active Schools and clubgolf split the cost of 22 bags of firstclubgolf equipment. The Active Schools team invested in 27 firstclubgolf resource packs so that every school in the Borders has access to equipment through their Active Schools Co-ordinator.
“Introducing and enthusing children at school is just the start,” said clubgolf East Regional Manager Laura Rushby.
“The challenge thereafter is to develop junior golf pathways at clubs so that these children continue playing golf and become club members.
“We cannot do this alone. The golf clubs and committees who are taking advantage of the interest clubgolf is generating in schools have all examined their rules, traditions and attitudes in the way they deal with juniors and what they offer them in order to encourage them to be part of the club.
“Kelso is a great example of a club that has done just that and as a result they are building a thriving junior section of boys and girls who want to play and attain and improve their handicap.
“So, congratulations to Leanne and Kelso’s junior section for this latest achievement. Fiona and Eleanor are doing a fantastic job and are shining examples of what can be achieved by working in partnership with clubgolf and Active Schools to embrace change and develop a coaching programme and pathway for girls to become members of the club.
“Fiona is that dedicated that she has also recently become the Borders Ladies County Golf Association's Junior Convenor and I am looking forward to working together with her and the Borders Ladies County Golf Association to continue to develop girls’ golf in the Borders."
For more information about how to start a girls’ coaching programme and/or how you can become involved with clubgolf contact:
Laura Rushby- clubgolf East Regional Manager
E-mail: http://uk.mc870.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=lrushby@clubgolfscotland.co.uk
Website: http://www.clubgolfscotland.com/