Buchanan Castle GC Junior Open Day success

(Picture above: The Duke of Montrose with local children at Buchanan Castle Golf Club’s Open Day, by Steph Brown)

Buchanan Castle Golf Club, which joined forces with the national junior golf programme, clubgolf in 2007 attracted 68 children to its Open Day for children and their families on Sunday.

The Buchanan Castle course, near Drymen, is part of Montrose Estates. The Duke of Montrose, one of the United Kingdom's most senior politicians, is its managing director and attended the Open Day to meet the children and show his support.

Recognising an absence of golf facilities in the area that cater for golfers of all ages and abilities, the Club, near Drymen, has developed a six-hole course which it plans to increase to nine, and a dedicated short-game area.

"Over the last season we have created a six hole Academy course, set up for juniors and we will develop another three, so ultimately we will have a nine hole par 3 course with holes from 60 to 240 yards," said Keith Baxter, the Club's Head Golf Professional.

"We'll have a driving range as well this summer and we already have planning permission for covered bays too. It will be ideal for the kids and will give them a place they can come and develop their game without being intimidated on a big course. We hope this will create an environment where they can relax and enjoy it, remain playing golf and become full members."

By signing up for clubgolf, Mr Baxter along with his team of Golf Professionals and PGA qualified Level 1 Volunteer Coaches, can offer young golfers, particularly primary school-aged children who have experienced the programme's introductory game, firstclubgolf, in school, a golf coaching programme which could take them right up to area coaching level.

Sunday's Open Day was an opportunity to welcome children and families, giving them a taste of what the Academy has to offer.

"It was a fantastic day and it was nice to see everyone liked what we were trying to do," said Mr Baxter. "Sixty-eight kids came and 65 have signed up for coaching already. Not only were the kids excited but the parents were too and hopefully a few of them will come aboard. Katie Oman (clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager) put in a lot of hard work and clubgolf has been very supportive."

Although their main target is children that have experienced the firstclubgolf programme in school, the Club is also welcoming beginners and more established golfers alike.

"We are really keen to get the children in, get them started, encourage them and remove all the barriers in their way," said Mr Baxter. "We've started an Academy membership so children can join the wee course and use the practice facilities and the clubhouse. There's coaching included in the first year's membership so we can encourage and educate them.

"We're trying to get more families involved and since the Open Day, we've had people calling asking if they can attend. So word has got out.”

Said Katie Oman, clubgolf's Central Scotland Regional Manager: "Not only is the model being created at Buchanan Castle GC very exciting for junior golf development and the local community, it is an example of good practice for other clubs to look at."

For information on Buchanan Castle GC please contact the pro shop on:

T: 01360 660330