The youngsters were at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to try ShortGolf, a fun and easy introduction to the game and an integral part of the Hong Kong Golf Association’s recently announced HSBC Golf For Schools programme.
The school children also had the opportunity to watch the lady competitors in action on Fanling’s Old Course, including the six local amateurs, all of whom made the cut to provide a big boost for amateur golf in Hong Kong.
Ning Li, President of the HKGA commented: “The Hong Kong Ladies Open was a special opportunity to promote our sport to the local community. Hopefully the experience enjoyed by the primary school children from our HSBC Golf For Schools programme will inspire them to become the stars of tomorrow.”
Speaking at the recent launch of the HSBC Hong Kong Junior Golf Programme, 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 offer a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong.
"Nine local primary schools have signed up to the HSBC Golf For Schools programme already,” 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.”
Also supported by The R&A, HSBC Golf For Schools culminates in on-course golf lessons and the opportunity to gain an official HKGA handicap. From there, children progress to the HSBC Junior Development Programme, a talent-identification scheme comprising HKGA-sanctioned junior tournaments and matches, including the HSBC Junior Tour and a cross-border match against the top juniors from HSBC’s China Junior Golf Programme. The top Hong Kong juniors are then invited to join the HKGA Junior Squad for weekly coaching and expert advice and ultimately the chance to represent Hong Kong on the international stage.
