By David Nagel
The next superstar of Australian golf may very well be treading the fairways of the Deep Creek Golf Club (DCGC) in Pakenham with the club embarking on an exciting program that will help juniors fall in love with the game.
Everyone that has had a long association with golf knows of the many benefits it can bring, with friendships formed for life, and the ongoing challenge of trying to improve your game one of the great pursuits in life.
The DCGC is deeply committed to seeing the game grow and is a willing participant in the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship Program.
Adhering to Golf Australia’s strategic plan – Vision 2025 – the Program is designed to foster a deep love of golf by creating a strong bond between girls aged 10-16 and their local golf club and facility.
The program’s primary aim is to grow the female game, and to encourage young girls who have shown promise and interest in golf. It also aims at retaining existing girls and supporting junior program participants to continue their golfing journey.
Girls new to golf may also be engaged in this program, should they demonstrate a commitment to learning the sport, prior knowledge and interest in golf and by learning via a structured 24-week Pro training program.
The teaching professional at Deep Creek, and committed junior coach Mark Shaw, is excited to see where the journey will take his young stars.
“With the support of club members we would like to provide scholarship holders with the opportunity to advance their skills through coaching,” Shaw explained.
“We would also like to see these juniors obtain a handicap, play in club competitions, and form lifelong golfing friendships with other girls and members.
“Golf is such a wonderful sport to play, but it is also perfectly structured to enjoy each other’s company on the way around the course.”
While many girls will continue to enjoy golf as a club member for life, through the program there may be an opportunity to develop and identify future high-performance athletes or teaching professionals.
“Female professional numbers have continued to decrease in past years and it is important that we continue to provide opportunities for young girls, to see golf as a viable career path, whether as a player or a PGA professional,” Shaw said.
Aside from the Junior Girls Scholarship program, Shaw is also teaching youngsters the skills of the game via regular coaching sessions at the club.
Shaw has also developed an Advanced Junior Squad at Deep Creek, where youngsters who have been coached in recent times have the opportunity to rapidly develop their game, or learn at their own pace.
Parents interested in getting their children involved in Junior Golf Programs at Deep Creek, from absolute beginners to those who have experienced the game before, can contact the club for more details.
