South Ayrshire Council News

The 2008 golf season for junior golfers in South Ayrshire, that has just finished, it has seen young golfers achieving great things.

In April this year all P5 pupils were invited to attend coaching throughout the summer months at various facilities in South Ayrshire, with more than 140 children attending on a regular basis. Several of the 37 girls who took part golfed at Maybole and are now in a position to return cards and receive a handicap.

All the children who took part have been invited to receive refresher training during the winter months at Ayr Golf Centre, 35 eager youngsters have already signed up. All the children involved in the clubgolf programmes during 2008 will be invited to return in 2009.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services said: "The junior golf programme just gets bigger and better and the young golfers are so enthusiastic.

"Due to the success of the South Ayrshire Junior Golf Action Plan, a South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club, to accommodate the junior golfers that cannot be accommodated in other clubs is going to be established. The South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club will be affiliated to the Scottish Ladies Golf Association and the Scottish Golf Association and members will be able to obtain a handicap.

"I would like to wish all the young golfers well, I am sure that they will inspire others to take up golf."

Plans are being made to hold eight South Ayrshire Junior Golf Club (SAJGC) competitions next year for various standards of golfer. Some events will be over nine holes from forward tees while others will be over 18 holes from existing tees.

The official launch of the Club will take place on Sunday 29 March 2009. The SAJGC also has a website www.southayrshirejuniorgolf.co.uk that will keep all members up to date with fixtures and news.