THE number of volunteer golf coaches on the Isle of Man has more than doubled in the past year.
Now 32 club members across the island are able to offer their support to coaching schemes aimed at introducing the sport to new players of all ages and abilities.
The latest course organised by the Isle of Man Golf Partnership saw 17 volunteers complete their ASQ Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Golf at Mount Murray.
Two members from each club on the island were invited onto the course by the Isle of Man Golf Partnership, along with two A level students through Manx Sport and Recreation. They were joined by an assistant professional from Douglas Golf Club.
The clubs represented were Douglas, Rowany, Castletown, Peel, Ramsey and Mount Murray.
The course, delivered by PGA Advanced Coaching Professionals Kirsty McDonald and Darren Hodgson, provided the individuals with the knowledge and competence to assist more qualified coaches. This will allow them to deliver a variety of golf coaching sessions, normally under direct supervision.
Explained Karen McGurgan, Development Officer for the Isle of Man Golf Partnership: “The qualification is available to individuals with an interest in golf coaching, who wish to work alongside other qualified coaches - such as golf professionals, for example - to provide basic technical coaching to the beginner golfer.
“This is the third consecutive year that the Isle of Man Golf Partnership has promoted this important golfing qualification resulting in 32 volunteers in the Island’s golfing community who are now equipped with best practice knowledge to work alongside their club professional.”
The Isle of Man Golf Partnership is a collaboration of a number of stakeholders in the sport including the English Golf Union, The English Women's Golf Association, the PGA, the Golf Foundation and Sport England.
For more information on the work of the Isle of Man Golf Partnership contact Karen McGurgan, Development Officer, Isle of Man Golf Partnership.
Email: manxgolfpartnership@manx.net
Issued on behalf of the England Golf Partnership by Richard Williamson
Mobile: 07810 636 455
Email: egpnorth@yahoo.co.uk
