Skibb golf youngsters benefiting from Sarah's tutelage

THIS year saw the launch of the Skibbereen Golf Kidz Academy by PGA Fellow Professional Sarah Claridge.

The highlight of the year was a junior club championship, which had 32 budding young golfers taking part. The season kicked off with the introduction of a ten-week coaching programme from May to October. This has been designed by Sarah to give the juniors the skills to get playing on the course as soon as possible. The coaching numbers have grown from 23 in 2017 to 60 girls and boys in 2018.

‘I’m really proud of all the juniors who have helped me make this first year a great success and we need to keep building on this momentum,’ Sarah says.

‘I can’t wait to see how this most enthusiastic of golf clubs looks in five years’ time with all of these budding young golfers.’

GolfAccess was introduced at the club this year. This is a UK-based progression to the course awards scheme which rewards juniors for achieving progressive lower scores on a shortened course. This enabled 12 players to complete the GolfAccess levels and be given handicaps of 54 to enable them to compete in club competitions.

The summer also saw a trick-shot show, performed by Paul ‘The Striker’ Barrington to raise money for the junior academy along with summer golf camps and the introduction of Player of The Week award.

Skibbereen & West Carbery GC Junior Club Championship results: 18H, 1. Daniel Griffin 68, 2. M Mulcahy 69. 9H, 1. Brian O’Sullivan 29, 2. Edward O’Sullivan 35, Gross A Stratfold 50. 9H GolfAccess, 1. Shaun Hodnett 40, 2. Jason Collins 53. 6H GolfAccess, 1. Michael Griffin 35, 2. Evan Ring 37. 3H GolfAccess, 1. Jack Moloney 18, 2. Jack Foley 22.

Player of the Year awards: Michael Griffin, Jake Keating, Adam Stratfold, Sophia Kate Leahy, Darragh Crowley, Jack Foley, Seanan Ward, Caoimhe Flannery, CJ Bennett, Jack Moloney.

For more information about the Academy and Golf Coaching for 2019 please call Sarah Claridge on 083-8524917.