Golf Foundation: Open Championship 'wonderful opportunity'

Leading golf charity The Golf Foundation has labelled the Open Championship a 'wonderful opportunity' to encourage a new wave of youngsters into golf.

The Golf Foundation works extensively to make the game more accessible to younger generations through a range of activities and programmes.

For example, the charity's 'Skills for Life' aids personal development and its 'HSBC Golf Roots' programme is reaching hundreds of thousands of boys and girls each year.

At this year's Open, the R&A Swingzone - shared with Professional Golfers' Association and ClubGolf Scotland - will provide excitement for visiting youngsters whilst helping to raise the profile of the Golf Foundation's work in schools, golf clubs and communities.

There will also be Tri-Golf and Golf Xtreme challenges and competitions and a special Titleist-sponsored putting challenge.

Titleist caps and balls will be up for grabs all week, and anyone holing three successive putts will be entered into a draw to win a new Titleist Scotty Cameron putter.

As in previous years, profession golfers taking part in the Open proper will be encouraged along to have a go.

PGA-sponsored Professionals will also be handing out free lessons to youngsters throughout the week as part of the organisation's commitment to junior golf.

"Thanks to the R&A, The Open week offers us a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our work in developing the game at grass roots," said Mike Round, the Golf Foundation's Chief Executive.

"Golf is a growing part of curriculum life in thousands of schools and we are linking more and more of these schools to golf clubs, to help children enjoy gulf and learn valuable life skills from the game.

"The Foundation team looks forward to working with the PGA Professionals and the ClubGolf team. Just as the big names will inspire youngsters on the course, we hope to inspire many children to pick up a club and have a go at it."