bart high school in the leafy inner suburb of New Town is set to expand its golf program with the assistance of a local club, and State and International associations.
New Town High School Sports teachers John Sheppard and Nathan Heidenreich are planning to develop the school’s program, a 20 week course that has run for two years.
“We are hoping to expand next year to a Golf Athletic Development course which will take the whole year to complete,” said Sheppard.
“This will include everything from club selection, golf swing analysis, course layouts and golf administration.”
Sheppard and Heidenreich will be meeting with key groups to finalise the program’s arrangements in the coming weeks.
“Scotland’s R&A is also very keen to continue assisting us with the program,” added Sheppard.
“R&A is sending out another ten full sets of men’s clubs and carry bags. That will now make it 30 sets of clubs, which have been donated to the school,” added Sheppard.
The program is headed up by Roger Hughes, Head Professional from the Royal Hobart Golf Club.
Hughes conducts regular sessions with the students at the club at Seven Mile Beach and currently focuses on the basics of the sport.
“On average we have 20 boys attend and they are exposed to the golf swing and course management,” said Hughes.
“Most have never played the game before so this is a great opportunity for Royal Hobart Golf Club to give back to the community,” added Hughes.
Golf Tasmania Board member John Milbourne is keen to see the program develop as a pathway to elite participation.
“Golf Tasmania hopes that the program being developed at New Town High will serve as an example to other schools,” said Milbourne.
“The next step in the process is to establish programs such as this in the North and on the North West Coast.”
“Ideally all clubs with Professionals would have partnerships with secondary institutions,” added Milbourne.
The expansion of the program at New Town High School coincides with Golf Australia’s launch of MYGolf Week and as Golf Tasmania establishes its new Secondary School’s competition.
Hughes conducts clinics every Saturday at Royal Hobart Golf Club commencing from 3pm and juniors wishing to participate should contact the club on (03) 6248 6161.