Singleton Junior Open - 13th August 2017
Some might say those who cannot swim and dive into a pool without floats are not looking to find positive outcomes…well those except for the team of passionate volunteers at Singleton Golf Club in the Hunter Valley.
A few years back a group of members got together and focused on growing junior golf at the club. Following a community instructor course with JNJG Territory Manager Mark Ingrey the club and volunteers were ready to roll.
Kicking off with regular junior clinics the volunteers soon built up a great foundation of youngsters to help and support the club. Through this they put together a fund raising campaign and proceeded to build the club a children’s play area complete with slides, tunnels, swings and so on, the result of this is a more family friendly club, various kids birthday functions and a jump in junior clinic participants.
Fast forward two years and two very passionate volunteers, along with their husbands pushed for a junior open. Some ten volunteer members and the club to support them behind the scenes. Following discussions on approach and plans with Mark Ingrey the club had a very successful first tournament.
“Recently single day junior tournaments average 30 players, the numbers are low due to demands on parents across the state and fewer junior players in certain areas, however the girls were keen to give it a go, and with their drive we embarked on a mission. Mel, Chad, Jo, and Garry are extremely passionate, they have established a Juniors on the Move program for the region in recent months and already have 40 players, the junior open exceeded 40 players and more importantly there were great numbers in the 9 hole divisions, while girls numbers were also up. They also have regular weekly clinics with up to 25 juniors attending. They found a major sponsor in Monadelphous who were amazing providing signage, first tee announcements and prizes. They got Asian Tour Player and Local Kurt Barnes to attend presentation, which was another great buzz for the kids.
"It’s this type of passion that supports and develops the junior game, these girls and guys should be extremely proud of themselves for what they have done at the club and now in the region," said Mark Ingrey.
To find out more about Singleton Junior Golf visit their Facebook page.
