Free Golf Lessons for Children During The Open

It's part of HSBC Hour where nearly 300 clubs around Britain will be offering children free golf lessons

Children to Get Free Golf Lessons During The Open

HSBC Hour is back again this year where children and their families can get an hour's free golf tuition.

The scheme runs from Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th July and aims to increase golf participation around the Open Championship, which finishes on the 17th.

Rickie Fowler, double Open Champion Padraig Harrington and European Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke have all been brought on board to give their support.

Part of HSBC’s ‘Anyone’s Game’ campaign, HSBC Hour again sees the bank teaming up with The Golf Foundation and Club Golf Scotland to give thousands of young people and their families an introduction to the sport during the week of The Open.

The bank will also be encouraging its employees to get behind the initiative, learn the game and enjoy the world class golf on show.

World number 7 Rickie Fowler is the face of the campaign and said: “When I was little my Dad used to provide sand from his business to the local driving range so I could practice for free - I was also very lucky to have been taught by Barry McDonnell in my early years.

"Those memories and the friendships you form through golf always stay with you; without those first steps the rest simply can't happen. Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you need to start somewhere."

Darren Clarke, European Ryder Cup Captain, has backed the initiative, saying: “I was lucky to grow up in a family where we all played golf and appreciate what the game gave us in enjoyment, competition and life in general. We have to try to get the young kids out there as they are the sport's future".

Padraig Harrington, a who won the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008, also backed the campaign stating:

“It’s very important for the future of golf to get kids involved, but it’s also good for them in many ways. When young people play the game there are so many things they learn that are useful and prepare them for everyday life.

"For example, the game is self-governing, requiring the learning of and playing by the rules. There are the joys playing the game, there are highs and lows, and there are so many of life’s emotions that you have to learn to deal with, so it’s great for young people to play the game. It’s also essential for golf to have a younger generation participating, bringing new life to the game.”

HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events Giles Morgan said: “2016 is a landmark year for the sport as golf returns to the Olympics.  It’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire a whole new generation and with HSBC Hour and our grassroots initiatives around the world, we are proud to be a part of that.”

Almost 300 golf clubs across England, Scotland and Wales have signed up to HSBC Hour and to find one local to you visit: www.TheOpen.com/HSBCHour.