Golf: Dalmahoy to get juniors in the swing

The kind gesture by Steven McIntosh means Marriott Dalmahoy is set for a "ground-breaking year" on the junior front, according to the head pro Scott Dixon.

There are four levels of the Academy, starting at the bottom of the ladder with an introduction to golf that includes two games on the West Course for a child and their parent.

The next level is for 8-12 year-olds and entails taking out a junior membership with three skills session with Academy staff being offered as part of that package.

Level 3 is aimed at 12-17 year-olds and involves a coaching structure geared to bring handicaps down before members go on to last level of becoming a team squad member. "I am very grateful to be given this opportunity by Steven McIntosh of Saltire Roofing to help develop junior golf at Dalmahoy," said Dixon.

"Our mission is to create the most fun, creative and inspirational environment possible to develop junior golf at the club. We have 24 junior members and coach over 60 kids through local schools and our own junior programmes.

"The support from our members as well as Marriott has allowed us to create a very empowering and exciting golf programme!

"2010 promises to be a ground-breaking year for junior golf at Dalmahoy." The first in a series of 'coaching days' takes place this Saturday while, later in the year, a coaching camp is being held in conjunction with the Scottish Junior Golf Tour. "Paul Richards (the junior convenor] reminds me of a couple of football managers I played under. He puts a lot into his role and I wanted to help him out in some way," said McIntosh, a Dalmahoy corporate member for four years.