School golf programme tees off central North Island

The sport of golf has proved to be a big hit with young novice players in the central North Island’s Rangitikei district who are flocking to the fairways in unprecedented numbers.

Buoyed by the phenomenal success of the region’s first Have A Go entry-level participation programme which has just concluded at Taihape Golf Club, three more events have been scheduled in for school-age youngsters in the region.

The inaugural six-week introductory golf programme held at Taihape Golf Club saw some 22 Taihape Area School pupils aged between 10 and 17 years learning how to drive, chip and putt their way around the course’s greens and fairways.

Organised by Golf New Zealand, in conjunction with Sport Wanganui Tu Manawa and Rangitikei District Council, the youngsters spent one day a week picking up insightful golf coaching tips from volunteers affiliated to Taihape Golf Club.

Caption: Trophy-winning novice golfers from Taihape Area School, from left Jamie Bell and Ardijah Rewa.

The coaching collaboration comprised Cory Martin, Jason Fellingham, and Jeremy Gilbert – whose employer Hautapu Pine allowed him time off to be involved with the project.

Trophies were awarded at the conclusion of the six-week programme – with Jamie Bell winning the cup for most improved player, and Ardijah Rewa taking home the silverware for most dedicated player. The trophies were generously donated by Morries Framing and Hobbies in Wanganui.

Following on from the success of the Taihape golf participation initiative, three other schools in the district have asked for similar programmes to be run in their locations.

Caption: The youngsters from Taihape Area School prepare for a day learning on the fairways and greens.

As a result, Golf New Zealand regional coordinator Janette Smith has set up training programmes at Marton Golf Club, Rangatira Golf Club in Bulls, and the Hawkestone Golf Club in Halcombe.

Said Smith: “The Taihape programme was dipping our toes in the water to see how a golf participation school programme would be welcomed in the area.

``The numbers who signed up far exceeded our expectations – with 10 of the children being awarded Golf New Zealand memberships allowing them to continue on with the sport and receive ongoing coaching once a week.

“Whether the kids stay in the sport purely for the love of the game and the friendships which come from that in the years to come, or they decide to take up golf on a competitive level, at the end of the day it’s all about getting outdoors, getting in some healthy exercise, and most importantly, having fun.”