Schools golf: Talented teen off to Arizona

Thanks to North Lanarkshire’s Leisure’s drive for golf excellence scheme, Coatbridge High School’s Lewis Caddell is set for a dream experience.

The talented 14-year-old has been identified as a youngster of potential by Gordon Sherry and he will fly out with Scotland’s former Amateur Champion to Arizona next month for an intensive ten day training camp.

Lewis, who plays off a handicap of 12, is part of a North Lanarkshire initiative that runs two programmes – an elite scheme and Golf4Life.

“At the weekends, kids of all ages and backgrounds come along for free coaching and an introduction to the game,” explained Sherry, who leads the elite squad.

“We hope to give them an introduction to the game and learn about the benefits golf can bring to their lives. Through time we hope this will lead to a lifelong enjoyment and passion for golf.

“Lewis is only 14 and will be the youngest by four years on the trip but he will benefit greatly and has improved enormously over the past year.

“The bigger picture is for him to meet some of the other elite students, and the professionals I work with, to motivate him further to get on the road to that level. He will also realise the huge importance of doing well at school.”

Lewis is grateful to have been elected. “I feel great about this wonderful opportunity,” he said. “It will really help me progress in my golf career. I’m very excited.”