Central Scotland clubgolf Flag Competition Series third event at Oatridge College Golf Course.

Sunday’s clubgolf Flag competition on Oatridge College’s Golf Course exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Targeting Forth Valley children who are part of the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf, as well as other local youngsters who have golf handicaps, the event’s organisers – Matt Costello, West Lothian Active Schools and Mandy Martin, clubgolf Regional Manager for Central Scotland, together with a host of volunteers from local Golf Club attracted 20 young golfers on Sunday.

“To achieve 20 young golfers was a great result,” said Active Schools Co-ordinator, Matt Costello.  “It was helped greatly by the lovely golfing weather we had on the day.  The children came from as far as Stirling and Falkirk, we had volunteer coaches from Harburn Golf Club, parents and golf coaches all helping to make the day a fantastic success.”

Two thousand Primary Five children in the Forth Valley had an introduction to golf this year through clubgolf’s six-week firstclubgolf course at school.  Over 600 children have been involved at club level.  Delivered by fully qualified PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches, Stage 1 coaching involves 40 hours of coaching, delivered over two years, and covers the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette.

Progression through the Stages encourages all children to develop their potential while being welcomed into a golf club, and provides access to a structured Player Pathway.  The flag event was designed to mark the season’s end by giving Stage 1 and 2 children the chance to put into practice what they have learnt.  For some, this would have been their first ever golf competition.

Mandy Martin, clubgolf Regional Manager for the Central Scotland area commended the hard work of West Lothian Council and staff, clubs and volunteers and thanked Oatridge College Golf Course for supporting and hosting the event.

Golf Course clubgolf flag competition winners:

Stage 1 competition:

1st – Aaron Duffy

2nd – Erin Cobb ( Falkirk Tryst GC)

3rd – Callum Chalmers ( Falkirk Tryst GC)

Closest to the pin – Isobel Barton (LDGGS)

Stage 2 competition:

1st – Fraser Laird (Glenbervie)

2nd – Rachel Matthews

Closest to the pin – Fraser Laird

Handicap/Advanced Group competition

1st – Andre Lemaitre (Tillicoutry)

2nd – Jennifer Allan (Glenbervie)

3rd – Calum Erskine (Polmont)

Closest to the pin – Joshua Hatcher (Tillicoutry)