Golfing legends’ tips for children
Jun 20 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal
THE partnership between the Golf Foundation and De Vere Slaley Hall, which has been encouraging primary school children to try their hand at golf in recent weeks, will culminate in a showcase event during the PGA Seniors Championship.
The event will welcome Ian Woosnam and Costantino Rocca to offer advice and tips to the youngsters.
The Ryder Cup legends are in the field to compete for one of senior golf’s most prestigious prizes, but will be on hand for the Tri-Golf event before the PGA Seniors Championship begins over the resort’s Hunting Course.
Daniel Hodson, De Vere director of golf and leisure, said: “We are delighted that Woosie and Costantino will be lending a hand at the Golf Foundation event.
“They are two great ambassadors for the game and it is fantastic that they will be able to pass on their expertise, which I am sure will inspire the kids to take the game up as a sporting hobby.”
John Wood, Golf Foundation regional development officer for the North East, said: “The level of golf activity provided for youngsters during this Championship really sets the highest standard.
“Fun festival Tri-Golf games will be great and we can’t wait to welcome Ian Woosnam and Costantino Rocca to the clinics, which will inspire the youngsters for sure.”
Tri-Golf’ sessions, which offer children their first taste of golf using plastic clubs and sponge balls, are currently taking place in 12 North East schools.
These sessions will look to develop both the technical and personal skills required to play the game and each child currently attending the sessions has a chance to qualify for the special event at Slaley Hall.
A Tri-Golf Skills Challenge, which tests each golfer’s progress and skill level at the end of the five week programme, as well as how children have developed their Skills for Life, such as respect and honesty, will be taken into account when looking for the finalists to receive tips from two legends of the game.
As well as Ian Woosnam and Costantino Rocca, this year’s event will see 2008 Champion Gordon J Brand return to the Northumberland resort along with Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance and his fellow countryman Gordon Brand Jnr., who will be looking to go one place better than his second place finish last year.
The Golf Foundations Tri-Golf initiative offers over half a million children their first taste of golf every year, and is offered in around 5,000 schools across the country.
