Girls in Golf
As the school year comes to a close so does the JGI Girls in Golf secondary schools programme. This year over 600 teenage girls from 32 schools across the country participated in a 10 week introduction to golf programme which was rolled out by PGA professionals, golf club volunteers and school teachers.
The 10 week programme involved coaching on the various golf skills from PGA Professionals, pitch and putt and golf club induction. Each programme culminated in a gala day which involved school groups joining together for a fun pitch and putt scramble.
The aim of the project is to increase the number of girls playing golf and to encourage an uptake in golf club membership and as part of this the girls could avail of a reduced membership fee at the linked golf club. The project has been running since 2007 with help from the Irish Sports Council Women in Sport programme.
Girls in Golf 2009
The 2009 project involved 31 golf clubs in the Republic: Abbeyfeale, Athlone, Ashbourne, Bandon, Beech Park, Carlow, Castlebar, Castle Dargan, Charleville, Claremorris, Co. Cavan, Corrstown, Craddockstown, Curra West, Donabate, Enniscrone, Glencullen, Headfort, Kilkea Castle, Nenagh, Newbridge, New Ross, Portumna, Roscommon, Rossmore, Skibbereen, Slievenamon, South County, Tubbercurry, Tullamore and Westport.
Below are some examples of the projects in action:
Kilkea Castle
Colaiste Lorcain Castledermott teamed up with Kilkea Castle GC for the programme. Coached by Stephen Hayes PGA Professional, 20 Transition Year girls travelled to the golf club for weekly sessions from February to May, and even got 2 pitch and putt outings to the local club in Casltedermott. With the help of their school teacher and golf club volunteers the girls made great strides and Kilkea Castle is hopeful that many of the girls will sign up as members. Pictured is one of the girls in action at their Gala Day at Red Lane, Newbridge in May.
Nenagh
For 10 weeks 20 eager Transition Year girls from St. Mary's Secondary School Nenagh attended Nenagh Golf Club for the GiG sessions. Such was their appetite for the programme over 40 girls applied to their PE teacher in the hope of gaining a place. At the end of the programme participant Amy Coffey commented:
"What I personally enjoyed about the course was it was a new experience as I had always had an interest in golf but never did anything about it. The course helped all of us work as a team and also to be very disciplined...we are truly grateful for being given this opportunity."
Pictured is one of the Nenagh girls Amy Kennedy celebrating after hitting another great shot!
Donabate
The junior committee at Donabate Golf Club teamed up with the brand new Donabate Community School to run a pilot after-schools programme for 20 first year girls. The girls had several weeks of fun coaching and golf activities, led by their school teacher Lisa Curran, Hugh Jackson PGA professional and golf club volunteers. The girls attended the Gala Day at Erin's Isle Pitch and Putt Club (pictured), along with GiG groups from Ashbourne and Corrstown golf clubs.
Athlone
20 girls from Our Lady's Bower Secondary School, Athlone took part in the programme at Athlone Golf Club. The girls travelled by bus each week to the lessons and tried out putting, chipping and long shots with the help of their coach Kevin Greally (pictured). Many of the girls made huge progress during the programme and as many as 12 are hoping to join Athlone Golf Club. At the Gala Day in Red Lane, Newbridge one of the girls, Orla Reidy achieved a hole in one for her team at the 16th.
Here's hoping that next year's project will be just as successful! If your school is interested in participating, or your club has vacancies for junior girls please contact the project co-ordinator Niamh Kitching at nkitching@juniorgolfireland.com about Girls in Golf 2010.
