Golf: Hopefield springs eternal with new festival

A NEW clubgolf festival held at Midlothian's Hopefield Primary School for 100 children from five local primary schools could inspire many of the area's P5 children to take up the game for life at local clubs.

Organised by Active Schools and the national junior golf programme, clubgolf, the festival gave the children an introduction to the game.

"The event ran smoothly and was attended by 100 children who all had the opportunity to try a variety of different golfing stations," said Scott Montgomery, Active Schools Co-ordinator (Lasswade Cluster).

"These schools are already introducing their children to golf through clubgolf's introductory game but some have restricted space. The festival gave them the opportunity to complete the course and learn techniques such as full swing."

Helping ensure the festival ran smoothly were qualified volunteer coaches from nearby Broomieknowe Golf Club, which is offering clubgolf coaching through the summer.

"We are doing clubgolf to give something back to golf and it's something that will benefit the club in the long term," said Ellice Cackett, clubgolf co-ordinator at the club.

Broomieknowe's clubgolf starts on Monday. Coaching costs 3 per child for an hour and a half and all equipment is provided.