Local and national provision for Golf.

AS and A Level Physical Education (Sport & Coaching)

Local and national provision for Golf

Younger people are now hugely encouraged to take part in sport now because they are the countries future stars. One way in which this is helped is by making a reduced cost for younger people playing that sport. By doing this it creates a greater chance for more people to play sport.

There are many ways in which children can start to play golf and begin very early in developing their game from a young age. Since the new arrival of Tiger Woods in 1997 the way in which golf is approached is completely different. Woods has brought a new look at athleticism to the game. Children are now being encouraged to play golf at a very young age like Tiger Woods. There is a golf development structure that is being used called “Get into golf” and the overall aim is to increase the participation in England, whilst still providing more opportunities for people who wish to sustain interest further by accessing membership to a golf club. This programme is endorsed by England no.1 Justin Rose and also an all time great Nick Faldo. There is a golfing action plan, which is aimed at 6-12 year olds. This is to structured in such a way that it makes golf visually attractive and colourful, whilst still making the basic concepts similar to the real the real thing. This is called “Tri-golf” and has started to introduce the basics of the game, etiquette and the rules of the game in an enjoyable way. There is specially developed equipment suitable for young people to develop their game and more importantly make it safe. Also they have devised golfing activity suitable for children at primary school age, whilst considering the limited space in most primary schools.

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When a player aged 14 or above has reached a good level of golf, many doors open for what they can do. If the player is aged under the age of 18 they may represent their club in the youth shield, which is a team event that is played in every county. They can also play in the Leslie F. Wood team event that is also a team competition but for men 8 handicapped players and above, but juniors are also eligible to play. The same goes for the Thornton cup but this is a scratch competition. If a players game is good enough they could then be selected for their county. When playing for the county you get the chance to play against other counties and also play in inter-county competitions. When you play for county there is usually a monthly training where you have the chance to have your game developed by PGA professionals. If you then proceed past this stage you can be selected for your country where you get to play in prestigious tournaments and matches against other countries. From here you can apply to go straight onto the tour without having to qualify. The other way in which you can get onto the PGA tour is by going through the qualifying school where you pay £1000 and have to go through 3 stages of qualification. To do this though your handicap must be below 4.

The English golf union (EGU) was established and is the governing body for male amateur golfers in England. The EGU arranges major amateur tournaments, looks after the interests of over 1,890 affiliated golf clubs and 730,000 club members. Regardless of age, gender or background, the EGU working alongside the English ladies golf association together have developed initiatives and associated literature aimed at all standards of golfer, from beginner to the more experienced.

At nearly every club in the country; men, seniors, ladies and juniors are welcomed, but some more than others. Both men and women are given an equal chance because, the ladies play off the reds tees, which are of a shorter distance and the men play off the white tees that are of a longer distance. There are competitions for each gender and competitors play off a handicap, which reflects the ability of the golfer. Playing off handicaps gives everyone a fair chance of winning even if they are not as good as some of the others. Even when you get to professional golf there are separate tours gives are of different qualities. These consist of ; European tour, European seniors, European challenge tour, US tour, LPGA tour and Ladies European tour. These are for men, women and seniors of all different abilities.

Golfers with disabilities are making their presence felt in tournaments and during casual rounds. The new modifications to the rules enable players with different disabilities to compete as equals with each other and with able-bodied players. One such example is the allowance of blind golfers to rest the head of their club on the sand and against the ball while playing from a sand trap which allows them to locate the ball. Golf is one of many changing sports that are changing the rules for the disabled so that they can enjoy the game like everyone else that plays.

Local and national provision for Golf.