Targeting Forth Valley and West Lothian children who are part of the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, as well as other local youngsters who have golf handicaps, the event’s organisers – Clackmannanshire Council, clubgolf and Muckhart Golf Club, together with a host of volunteers - had hoped to attract 30-40 children to its flag competition.  The number that turned up on the first day of British Summer time was 38.

Two thousand Primary Five children in Forth Valley and West Lothian 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.

Two thousand Primary Five children in Forth Valley and West Lothian 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 Long Term Player Development Pathway.  The flag event was designed to mark the start of the season by giving clubgolf 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.

Katie Oman, clubgolf Regional Manager for the Central Scotland area commended the hard work of Clackmannanshire Sports Development and Muckhart Golf Club’s volunteers for supporting the event and ensuring the smooth running of the event.

“The event was really well organised by Clackmannanshire’s Sports Development Team, clubgolf, and Muckhart Golf Club. A real positive was the number of volunteers from Muckhart Golf Club who helped ensure the smooth running of the event on the day. As a result so many aspiring young people enjoyed an excellent day and a big well done to all those involved in this event.” Ryan Martin, Clackmannanshire Sport Development

“It is Muckhart Golf Clubs Centenary Season and I was delighted that we could be involved in hosting this event. I was so impressed by the standard of performance and the participant’s determination and skill shown throughout the round.  Personally I thought that there was a lot of promising potential on show and I hope they will continue to develop as golfers.” Don Colquhoun, Muckhart Golf Club

Thanks go to Auchterlonies Golf Shop at Dobbies Garden Centre, Stirling for their commitment to sponsor the series of flag competitions planned throughout Forth Valley and West Lothian this Season.

Competition Results:

Stage 1 competition: 

1st – Stephen Michael (Tulliallan GC)

2nd – Joshua Hatcher (Tillicoultry GC)

3rd – Aaron Duffy (NA)

Closest to the pin – Stephen Michael  (Tulliallan GC)

Stage 2 competition: 

1st – James Ronald (Killin GC)

2nd – Neal Ramsey (Bridge of Allan GC)

3rd – Daniel Roe (Stirling GC)

Closest to the pin – Lewis Fox (Callander Park)

Handicap/Advanced Group competition: 

1st – Callum Hill (Muckhart GC)

2nd – Kyra Paterson (Glenbervie GC)

3rd – Jordan Russell (NA)

Closest to the pin – Callum Hill (Muckhart GC)