The PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, Golf Victoria and School Sport Victoria, have provided approximately 100 Victorian teachers the opportunity to undertake professional development in golf.
Held at Oakleigh South Primary School on Friday, November 21, the Golf Teacher Professional Development (PD) morning was designed for teachers who are both golfers and non-golfers, offering practical sessions on simple strategies for introducing basic golf skills into schools.
“Participation is key to the future sustainability of golf and this day provides an avenue for introducing the MyGolf junior program into more schools,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA.
Stephen Pitt, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Australia added, “Through the MyGolf program, both Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia are looking to grow the game in schools and clubs across Australia. This professional development session allows us to spread the message that golf is a game for all and a game for life.”
Through a variety of activities, which can be set up in school grounds, the interactive morning also outlined the application of the MyGolf Schools Program which is currently undergoing a review to improve alignment to the Australian School Curriculum.
With the PGA and Golf Australia recently announcing a joint venture to develop MyGolf as the national junior golf program, the training day highlights the very essence of the new look national program.
“For our teachers to have the opportunity to be trained by PGA professionals in delivering a unified program that has been developed by both the national amateur and professional bodies is a great opportunity,” said Nick Mooney, Strategic Manager School Sport Victoria.
The direction it is heading in alignment to the Australian School Curriculum provides a clear structure and sound foundation for golf to become a regular at more schools throughout Victoria, which in turn benefits our schools by providing more variety.
The School Sport Victoria Golf Subcommittee has been integral in bringing all groups together to drive this and a variety of other school golf initiatives.”
Provided free of charge to teachers, attendees also received a school golf kit, and then enjoyed an afternoon at the 2014 Australian Masters running concurrently next door at The Metropolitan Golf Club.