Five Clubs Named as Junior Club of the Year Finalists
Kassidy Rogan
November 2, 2023
Five golf clubs from across the state have earned recognition as finalists for the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Junior Club of the Year Award at the upcoming NSW Golf Industry Awards.
The clubs in contention are Wollongong Golf Club, Toukley Golf Club, Armidale Golf Club, Club Catalina Country Club, and The Coast Golf Club.
Wollongong Golf Club
Wollongong Golf Club, an 18-hole course gracing a breathtaking stretch of coastline just an hour’s drive south of Sydney, offers an inviting experience to golfers of all skill levels.
The club frequently hosts ‘Come & Try’ days, designed to offer a free golfing experience to children, allowing them to explore the club’s facilities and junior program. The primary goal of this initiative is to introduce a fresh wave of youngsters to the world of golf. In addition, the club organizes MyGolf Classes tailored to children aged 5-12, catering for complete beginners to potential junior members.
Wollongong Golf Club takes pride in its Elite Juniors program, which is dedicated to honing the skills of outstanding junior golfers. These selected juniors have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive program designed to enhance their golfing abilities in various aspects, including sports psychology, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and self-management.
Toukley Golf Club
Toukley Golf Club, often praised as the warmest and most welcoming club in the Central Coast of NSW, boasts an 18-hole course nestled midway between Sydney and Newcastle. The course is set amidst pristine bushland, extending gracefully into the picturesque Budgewoi Lake.
Toukley Golf Club is dedicated to nurturing the golfing talents of young enthusiasts. They offer a range of junior programs, starting with beginners, where kids receive a fundamental introduction to golf, covering the basics of driving, chipping, and putting. For those progressing to the intermediate level, they delve into more advanced shots.
Furthermore, the club proudly boasts 12 girls in the Australian Golf Foundation’s Girls Scholarship Program, which aims to nurture their passion for golf and teach them skills such as perseverance, etiquette, concentration, and cooperation.
In addition to these programs, Toukley Golf Club offers individual coaching for junior members at discounted rates, further enhancing the growth and development of the golfing talent within the club.
Armidale Golf Club
Armidale Golf Club, a picturesque 18-hole course, graces the western boundary of the charming town in the New England district. Nestled among a diverse array of native and exotic trees, the course is a natural gem that provides a serene and ever-changing environment.
Armidale Golf Club is also involved in the MyGolf program, establishing itself as a hub for nurturing young golfing talent. Each session attracts an impressive turnout, with approximately 25 enthusiastic kids participating. The program has been offered free of charge, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the program manager, Tim Murray. Tim dedicated his time and expertise and personally financed an end-of-term gathering for the participants, underlining his commitment to fostering the love of golf among the youth.
Moreover, Mr Murray has a visionary plan to promote inclusivity in golf by organizing a girls-only clinic. This initiative aims to encourage and facilitate the entry of more young girls into the world of golf.
The Coast Golf Club
The Coast, home to an exquisite 18-hole golf course, enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of Sydney’s most breathtaking coastal golf destinations. Each hole offers mesmerizing ocean vistas, making it an awe-inspiring experience for members and visitors seeking a challenging game.
The Coast plays host to a much-anticipated school Gala Day annually, where students of all ages can delve into the exciting world of golf. They can learn the finer aspects of the sport, from chipping and putting to driving and overall gameplay. Over the years, hundreds of enthusiastic students have participated in this event, making it a memorable tradition.
Guided by their professional, Sebastian Howell, the Club takes pride in its role as a MyGolf centre. Howell also oversees a dynamic junior golf program, “Level 7 @ The Coast,” which serves as an introductory pathway tailored to junior members aged between 5 and 17.
The program is designed to impart essential golfing skills, including the art of scoring, the acquisition of a handicap, and most importantly, the cultivation of a fun and enjoyable experience shared with friends.
Catalina Golf & Country Club
Located on the picturesque far south coast, just 1.5 kilometres from the Batemans Bay CBD, Catalina Golf & Country Club boasts a 27-hole championship golf course, comprising The Old Course, The Composite Course, and The West Course.
Catalina has numerous programs for juniors, including a Cadets Program, a Junior Program and an Advanced Cadets Program, which are attended by at over 60 participants.
The club also runs school golf days each week and takes pride in being the first venue in New South Wales and the ACT to endorse the TeeMates/Youth on Course initiative, making golf accessible for children at a mere five dollars a round.
The club contributes to the junior golfing community by generously hosting various events, including the esteemed NSWPSSA Championship and the JNJG South Coast Junior Masters annually.
The winner will be announced next Monday night at the New South Wales Golf Industry Awards taking place at the Crown Barangaroo.
