If one word could sum up Jason Laws’ thoughts on junior golf, it’s “passion”.
So says Jack Newton Junior Golf territory manager Mark Ingrey, who reckons PGA Professional Jason’s enthusiasm is the chief driver of Newcastle Golf Club’s future.
And boy is that evident, with Jason’s outstanding junior program already set up for 33 juniors – almost double the participants since the initial set-up.
Providing coaching for each stage of development, beginner through to elite, kids of any skill level can be a part of Jason’s golfing academy.
“Jason has said to me, ‘I don’t have a career and clubs will cease to exist unless we develop juniors and their passion for our sport’,” Mark said.
But Jason says he couldn’t achieve his successes without ongoing support along the way.
“I would love to thank my wife Alison for being the backbone of my business,” Jason said.
“Alison organises the program and contacts the relevant people so that our program always runs smoothly.”
Jason’s program focuses on stages of skill development, starting from very basic golf movements as the first step.
“We even incorporate some warm ups and movements from other sports that can be related to golf,” Jason said.
Jason also receives coaching support from PGA professionals Ian Brander and Laurie Chew.
“A huge thank you to Ian and Laurie, as well as Mark Ingrey of Jack Newton Junior Golf for his tremendous support of the program,” Jason said.
The program Laurie and Jason developed incorporates work stations as a round-robin approach so kids can practise different skills one at a time and in smaller groups.
“Some of the kids are so keen to play and progress that we provide further coaching for them, for more individual assistance in learning,” Jason said.
Jason looks to build junior membership at the club and strives for more junior competitions to be provided.
“We have discussed providing special tee markers for the kids and shortening the first two holes to provide a par-four and par-three, so the kids can experience playing on course,” Jason said.
“Currently the teaching is held at the driving or chipping range, although we are looking to provide more space.
“We believe it’s important for the kids to see a pathway and look to develop their next set of skills.”
Through these achievements, Newcastle Golf Club have been awarded the August MyGolf centre of the month award.
Congratulations Jason and the team at Newcastle on your success!