Date: April 20, 2008
Author: Daniel Waters

Riverside Junior Golf Program

Case Study: Riverside Junior Golf Program The Riverside Golf and Tennis Centre in Melbourne&aposs inner North West has developed a strong junior program, which is now the lifeblood of the facility. With over 200 students attending weekly clinics, the program is one of the largest single facility programs in Australia with eight coaches involved with the delivery of sessions on weekends and after school hours. The program which was built through promotion to local primary and secondary schools and through simple word of mouth has developed a well-built reputation in the local area. Students are delivered a structured series of clinics over the course of a school term. All aspects of the game are covered including full swing, chipping, putting, video analysis, and course management. The program is aimed at the grass roots level and students can move up through a grading system based on the tee block colours of yellow, red, white, blue and black after which, they eventually move into private lessons and become members of the golf club. Members and public players are very welcoming and understanding of the environment that has been created here for juniors. On weekends the venue is buzzing with junior tennis players, golfers and kids&apos birthday parties. The driving range is also regularly utilised by school groups during the week. “This is a great facility for junior golfers”, said Daniel Waters, the trainee professional at Riverside. “Students are given free access to the course all year round and junior clinics are given priority on the driving range and practice greens. The content that is included in the program has been developed by coaches at the facility over a number of years and includes drills and activities from Go-Go Golf and other junior programs. At the conclusion of a term, students bring a friend along for a taste of the fun they experience through golf, which in turn, enables the program to keep on growing and strengthening towards a thriving future. “We are lucky that there are so many coaches here that are willing to grow junior golf and the facility management is keen to see juniors at the course. However, there is no reason why many clubs couldn&apost adopt a similar model to Riverside and develop junior golf in their region.”