Banking on Progress

As part of the launch event, over 100 school children from SKH St. James’ Primary School and other local schools got their first taste of golf through the HSBC Golf For Schools Programme, where they participated in a ShortGolf class, comprising easy-to-play putting and hitting games.

Tom Phillips, CEO of the HKGA, said: “HSBC Golf For Schools is intended to be affordable and accessible for children of all backgrounds. For those children who are inspired by the ShortGolf experience, we then offer a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong.

"We’ve got a number of local primary schools signed up to the HSBC Golf For Schools programme already, with St. James’ Primary today becoming the ninth school to join the scheme,” added Phillips. “Our aim is to reach 15 schools and more than 300 children in year one, laying a foundation on which to build in subsequent years.”

The HSBC Hong Kong Junior Golf Programme will comprise two closely linked components:

• HSBC Golf For Schools: Primary school children will graduate through a pathway of Golf Fun Days, ShortGolf classes and monthly golf clinics, culminating in on-course golf lessons and the opportunity to gain an official HKGA handicap. Teachers will also be instructed in how to deliver ShortGolf classes, enabling the schools to independently continue the golf activity.

• HSBC Junior Development Programme: A talent-identification programme comprising HKGA-sanctioned junior tournaments and matches, including the HSBC Junior Golf Tour and a cross-border match against the top juniors from HSBC’s China Junior Golf Programme. The top Hong Kong juniors will be invited to join the HKGA Junior Squad for weekly coaching and expert advice.