Innovative approach to junior golf

From small acorns they say, and there’s a lot to recommend the concept of a fledgling Junior Golf tour in this country, which kicked off last week.

The first event took place at East Clare GC with a total of 37 young hopefuls from Ulster and Munster, with the youngest, Luke Carey (East Clare) and Sam Rutledge (Newtownstewart), both aged 6, playing nine holes from the 100m tee markers.

Next, the JGTI moves to Fernhill Golf and Country Club in Carrigaline in Cork on Saturday, June 1. There will be provincial finals and a national decider at the end of August at Hollystown Golf Club.

All details are at www.juniorgolftourireland.ie, with special rates of €69 per room to all JGTI members and their parents who wish to travel to Cork for the second event. This rate includes a free round of golf. Round one tee times will be available online on Wednesday, May 25.

Says founder, Brendan Magill: “The tour provides age and ability-level competitions around the country, as well as providing a structured pathway of coaching junior golf.”

Fernhill-based PGA professional Wayne O’Callaghan is director of training for the southern region and says part of the coaching is to complete a series of off-course and on-course game-like practice drills. The coaching program implemented by Junior Golf Tour Ireland Academy is based on the principles of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD), using activities appropriate to a child’s age.