Thanks to an innovative sports program at Scone Public School, golf was an optional component of the sports curriculum this term for students in years 3 to 6. 

Scone Golf Club junior golf coordinator Gordon Halliday said he was overwhelmed with the success of the program to date. 

“We are always trying to find ways to make learning golf fun to encourage young players to take up the game.

“Through the Jack Newton Junior Golf program we are able to provide targeted coaching to develop player skills through play, experiential learning and games rather than formal lessons that focus on technique,” he said.  

Golf pro and Jack Newton Junior Golf territory manager for the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast, Mark Ingrey facilitated a specialised workshop at the Scone Golf Club on Friday to teach students enrolled in the program from Scone Public School.

“It’s easy to get kids to play golf – the challenge is getting them to keep playing.

“That is why a lot of the skills and drills we do are fun focused with music and games,” he said.

“At the same time we work on developing balance, rotation and getting a good grasp on the fundamentals.”

The Scone Golf Club will roll out the youth golf program next term at Blandford Public School, St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen in term 3 and Scone High School in term 4.