Schools golf: Our next generation of girl golfers in good hands

GOLF: While 19-year-old Carly Booth was swinging her way to victory in the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies’ Scottish Open at Archerfield the next generation of Scottish girl golfers were on the practice range and honing their skills under the expert eyes of two leading Ladies’ European Tour professionals.

The youngest member of the group from the ClubGolf and county coaching programmes was nine-year-old Adele McDaid – and she underlined her enthusiasm by showing up despite having a broken wrist.

The Mary Erskine’s school pupil did the damage to her right arm when she fell off a monkey puzzle – but she still managed to join in the fun sessions with English professionals Georgina Simpson and Kym Larratt.

“This has been great fun,” said Adele, who hasn’t yet joined a golf club but has been encouraged by her mother and Duddingston member, Joan. “My Mum teaches ClubGolf and I really like the game.”

The Borders trio of sisters Zara and Rhea Middlemass and their good pal, Niamh Sharp, also enjoyed the expert master class.

Zara, 13, and Niamh, 12, are both in their first year at Hawick High school, while Rhea is 11 and at Drumlanrig Primary Schhol.

“It’s been an excellent day,” enthused Zara. “We play at the Hawick and Minto Clubs. The coaching was really good and we also got to watch the golf and it was great to see players such as Catriona Matthew.”

Young Niamh has someone she can look up to in the family. Her Aunt Judith (Anderson) is a former Borders County women’s champion.

“It’s been a super day and so nice to see so many young girls getting the chance to practise and experience a big tournament,” said Simpson. “It shows that ClubGolf is doing the right thing and bringing the talent through at an early age.”

With Matthew having won the Scottish Open title last year and Booth winning in stunning fashion last Saturday, the youngsters certainly have plenty role models to try and emulate.