Golf venue puts children on course

The "fun and inspiring" course, to be set within the grounds of Clifton Hall School in Newbridge, is said to be the first of its kind in the UK to incorporate all the different elements.

The elements featured consist of a short game area, fun area and putting green, as well as a mini golf course and target area.

A "fairground" driving range with a number of different and colourful targets designed to appeal to children of all ages is also included in the plans.

The course – designed by professional course architect Ronnie Lumsden – will be set in seven acres within the school grounds and will be open to the public and schools as a free community facility.

The school has teamed up with Mr Lumsden and head golf professional at the championship Dalmahoy course, Scott Dixon, to progress the plans.

They have yet to secure funding but plan to target local businesses and the Scottish Government, which has its own drive to encourage young people to get involved in the sport in time for Scotland hosting the Ryder Cup in 2014.

They are also in talks with clubgolf, the body representing junior golf in Scotland, over how to progress their plans.

Mr Dixon already coaches children at Clifton Hall every Friday and will continue to coach when the new course gets up and running.

He said: "We have come up with the ultimate facility for children.

"It's going to be an area that impresses and motivates so that we can encourage more children to get involved in golf.

"The whole course will be totally for kids, with bright, fun targets.

"It's something that's unique, that's never been done before and that's totally there for the kids.

"Golf has in the past had strict rules and guidelines but this will be the ultimate learning environment for children taking up golf.

"We want to get Scottish golf back on the world map."

Clifton Hall's headmaster Rod Grant is excited to be able to offer this course at his school.

He said: "This is a community golf project unlike anything else in the UK.

"We want it to be open to all children under the age of 16 for free, with automatic access regardless of money.

"What we are trying to do is get kids involved in golf, loving the game, understanding the etiquette and most importantly, enjoying the game.

"Although it will be on Clifton Hall's land, we are throwing the facility open to the community.

"This will be the only golf course where an adult has to be accompanied by a child instead of the other way around."

Clifton Hall School has recently invested 2.5 million into a series of improvements and refurbishments to coincide with its recent merger with St Serf's School.

The amalgamation has doubled the school roll at Clifton Hall to around 230 pupils, meaning that for the first time in its 80-year history, it can cater for youngsters aged three to 18.