Children with a disability from Forth Valley primary schools – Lochies (Sauchie), Nethermains (Falkirk) and Fallin (Stirling) - were given an opportunity to test their golfing skills at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club.

The Club, which was hosting the Scottish Blind Golf Society matchplay championship, laid on a golf Festival for the children organised by volunteer coaches and staff from SportCentral and Falkirk Council Sports Development & Active Schools.

Most of these children had never played golf before their visit to Falkirk Tryst - the Festival was intended as a taster.  If interested the children can develop their skills at Brucefields Family Golf Centre which teamed up with the junior national golf programme, clubgolf, this spring to offer the first coaching programme of its kind in Scotland for children with disabilities.

Taught by Brucefields' professional coaching staff, who are experienced in working with children who have additional support needs, the programme covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette. 

“The children really enjoyed the festival today and I hope a few will go on to try golf at Brucefields,” said Mrs Susan Storrar, Principal teacher at Fallin Primary.  “They’ve never played golf before but some of them seem to have a talent for it.”

Forty-five children from across the Forth Valley took part in the Annual Callendar Park junior golf tournament, supported by clubgolf.  

This year’s tournament adopted a flag format as part of a series of clubgolf junior flag competitions taking place in Clackmannanshire, Stirling, Falkirk and West Lothian throughout 2008, all sponsored by Auchterlonies Golf Shop in Stirling. The flag format involves participants playing 45 shots around the course and marking their ball’s final location with a flag: the winner is the player who manages furthest around the course.

Organisers, Falkirk Council Sports Development, congratulated all participants for their commitment and the high standard of golf.  

“It was pleasing to see a high number of girls entering the tournament this year,” said Alistair Mitchell at Falkirk Council Sports Development.  

“Volunteers from local golf clubs and Falkirk Round Table were also thanked for their invaluable support – events such as this rely on the assistance and expertise that volunteers can provide.” 

Muckhart Golf Club turned back the clock last night, celebrating its centenary with a re-enactment of the first game played on the course .

It was 100 years ago that Muckhart and Fossoway residents approached Miss Christie, of Cowden Castle, a gifted lady, constant traveller and landowner, to see if she would consider giving some land for a nine hole golf development. 

Stating it was for the health and recreation of local residents she kindly agreed.  The course was commissioned on Wednesday 28th May 1908.  Miss Christie, a keen golfer, stuck the first ball.  She also presented the Christie Trophy which was won by the ladies team. 

Exactly one hundred years on Muckhart maintains the same generous attitude to its local community, especially to its juniors. 

It signed up to the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, three years ago.  It has eight qualified PGA Level 1 coaches and over 100 junior members.  Its junior night, on Fridays, attracts over 50 children.