Golf Foundation revamp 'Junior Golf Passport'

A pilot study trialling the Golf Foundation's new 'Junior Golf Passport' is now underway, and PGA professionals, youngsters and families are all expected to benefit from its enhancement and radical makeover.

The new physical resource and online 'Junior Golf Passport' has been 'designed by coaches for coaches' after extensive consultation with the Professional Golfers' Association and coaches across the country.

It will also be the official junior learning programme for the England Golf Partnership and Golf Development Wales.

The vital resource for grass roots golf will offer, amongst other things, value for money for young people and business opportunities for the coach, physical, interactive and web-based learning for child, parent and coach, a comprehensive selection of lesson plans and coaching resources and access to the successful HSBC Golf Roots brand.

The aim of the pilot is to encourage more boys and girls into the game, whilst offering a business opportunity for PGA Professionals, coaches, support staff and volunteers as they engage with children new to golf.

The final prototype is currently being tested in a 10-week study - featuring groups of PGA professionals at 15 golf facilities - before being rolled out in 2013.

Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: "We are delighted to say that initial feedback from PGA Professionals during our pilot study has been excellent.

"The new Junior Golf Passport will offer outstanding value for money that encourages all young people to play whilst providing real business opportunities for the coach."

The Golf Foundation's HSBC Golf Roots programme reached more than 750,000 youngsters during the last year and aims to reach one million boys and girls throughout 2013.