PGA professional Grant Harriman is working in rural and regional Queensland, promoting MyGolf programs as a viable way to get more kids in the game. In his twenty years of experience, not much has changed about the environment in which the game is played; the players, however, are constantly evolving and technology is expanding play in new ways. He finds that there is refreshingly ‘definitely not a shortage of natural talent’ in nearly any of the regions that he has worked in. Currently Harriman is working to promote MyGolf programs in Darling Downs and South West Queensland, along with touring with South West Indigenous Network, for beginners to get them enjoying not only the game, but also increasing their skillset.
‘I’ve had the pleasure of coaching a lot of complete beginners through the last year or so and as mentioned above there is no shortage of natural talent. However I have also been on the journey with quite a few grinders. Kids/players who have had to really work hard to improve their game.’
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In sessions throughout the year that Harriman has run, he focuses on honesty and respect with the kids first and then patience and etiquette. This is re-enforced each time they meet and gives them a great platform for their professional careers. It’s all about repetition, repetition, repetition. ‘I introduce these as early as I can and continue to reiterate them throughout the sessions whilst working on different activities to develop their technical skills.’
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Working with regions who don’t have regular access to PGA professional has its own challenges and even if there is a big interest in the game, if no one is around to deliver the programs then they stand little chance of getting more players early. ‘[It’s] challenging for regions who don’t have professionals/community instructors or even club volunteers. Local players/assets that can deliver programs and set pathways are an incredibly valuable resource and without them regions and clubs will face a tough challenge.’
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Golf can be for everyone and Harriman works to better educate participants on how they can make it work for them. His focus in schools has been a particular highlight as many students have not had the exposure to golf before. ‘Anyone waving the MyGolf banner knows that it’s not just about the kids participating in sports but also what that sport can offer their future. My focus is on the life skills that the MyGolf program has to offer, even if the participant doesn’t continue on with the game, these are the lessons that they will take with them into every aspect thereafter. [Golf] is not always easy but that makes it that much more rewarding.’
Look for MyGolf programs in your region. Please visit the Junior Golf Queensland MyGolf website.