The Riverland Golf District which is the country district association in South Australia covering the five golf clubs of Waikerie, Barmera, Berri, Loxton and Renmark, have engaged a local to develop golf in the region.
With no PGA Golf Professionals based in the district, the committee in discussion with the Golf Australia SA Development Team, advertised for a Junior Development Officer to coordinate junior development activities in the area with a strong focus on MyGolf Centre establishment and school engagement.
Bonnie Tyler from Loxton was appointed to the role and with her Community Instructor Accreditation in hand has hit the ground running.
Golf Australia personnel travelled to the region mid-March to meet with Bonnie and provide some practical training at the first session of a 5-week MyGolf Sporting Schools program at Our Lady of the River School at Berri.
After session one, Bonnie has continued the program herself introducing the primary school children to the game of golf through fun, engaging and challenging activities that are easily adapted for a range skill levels.
Bonnie will continue to liaise with schools in the region advising them of her role and availability to deliver the MyGolf Sporting schools program within the District. Bonnie will use her developing Community Instructor skills to also support other new Community Instructors to establish club based MyGolf programs and then eventually look to establish interclub competition via the MyGolf Junior League.