Kevin Wilford pays a visit to the junior coaching sessions that have become such a popular attraction at Kingsdown Golf Club
On a bright and sunny Sunday late morning it was great to take the chance to visit Kingsdown Golf Club, just on the edge of Bath and West Wiltshire, to watch some of the younger players there getting a feel of the game of golf.
The event was one of the regular junior coaching sessions run by juniors coach Paul Emerson, which is available to all youngsters from five years old and up to the age of 18. It is free to roll up and take part, and is ideal to provide first hand experience of hitting a golf ball on the driving range, as well as just having a lot of fun.
Rosa, who is seven years old, was up there with her father, outdriving many of the older players with her hitting up the fairway. She was typical of the children taking part, enjoying the experience of being with other young golfers and learning a new skill in a gorgeous outdoors setting.
Paul said that it was terrific to see a healthy turnout of youngsters – there must have been 10 of them along with keen parents, some of whom don’t play but are considering taking up the game. Once the players have learned the basics, there’s a chance for them to try out the three hole academy course and get a real feel for each aspect of the game.
Paul explained that Kingsdown is keen to attract new members of all ages and offers a heavily discounted membership fee for anybody under 40, including junior membership and pathways courses for anyone new to the pastime.
Alongside Paul, Kevin Stevens, a former professional, has been helping out with the coaching for a couple of years. “It’s just great to see children letting off steam and enjoying themselves,” he said. “As well as teaching the youngsters, I am also including some tips on course management, such as the importance of repairing pitch marks.”
Ultimately, Paul is helping to forge a team to compete in the Wiltshire Knock out Competition. Leading this drive is Ernie Finn, 15 years of age and the Juniors Captain at Kingswood. Ernie explained, “The junior coaching sessions at the club are great fun and a really good opportunity to meet other people and exchange views about the game.”
For coach Paul, he is keen to emphasise that the sessions are centred around fun and having a good time meeting new people. “We are always keen to welcome any newcomers and don’t be put off by the rules. It’s a fun day and a chance to meet people, parents included.
“We are also aiming to introduce some coaching days during the school holidays. Last year we had a Family Fun day that was really well supported, including soft ball golf for the real youngsters, so that we could make sure that everyone had a good time.”
The junior coaching sessions take place on alternate Saturdays, starting at 10am, with the Golf Professional, Andrew Butler. For £5 you can have a 1:1 coaching session with the Pro, to teach you more about grip, stance and swing, in preparation to head out onto the main course. For Paul’s group these are held every alternate Sunday at 12.30 and are free.
Further details can be found at https://kingsdown.intelligentgolf.co.uk/the_junior_section or by emailing Paul Emerson at email hidden; JavaScript is required