Ahead of this summer’s The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, 55 pupils from Year 6 West Park Primary School in Porthcawl attended a golf clinic this week, at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, to learn new golfing skills and find out more about the sport’s health benefits.
The school children were put through their paces by Royal Porthcawl and Wales Golf coaches, and rugby legend and keen golfer Sir Gareth Edwards MBE was there to lend a hand.
Mr Newman, Deputy Headteacher of West Park Primary said, “We were delighted to be invited to visit the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and take part in the golfing session. The children really enjoyed the golf experience and took many tips on board from the coaches.”
Ruby Evans, aged 11 and a pupil at West Park Primary said, “I have played a bit of golf before but it was great to learn more about the technique and all the different clubs. I will always remember now about my left thumb and make sure it’s in the right place. My Dad plays golf so he will be really jealous that I played with Sir Gareth Edwards!”
With Europe’s Senior Major Championship returning to Royal Porthcawl for the third time next month (July 27-30) Sir Gareth said, “It’s great to see all these young people trying their hand at the sport. Hopefully some of them will get hooked and we will have our very own Tiger Woods or the next Ian Woosnam. I wished I started my golfing career at an early age, as starting as soon as possible is the key.
“We are lucky in Wales as we have great access to the sport. It’s also a great sport to keep active, be outdoors and see friends. When I retired from rugby it meant I could carry on being competitive and be sociable at the same time.
“We are now counting down the days to the Senior Open and I can’t wait to see some of the big names in the sport coming to South Wales!”
Following The R&A Golf and Health Report in 2020, on average, golfers live five years longer than non-golfers and as a physical activity, golf can help prevent and treat 40 major chronic diseases from diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, depression and dementia.
Hannah McAllister, CEO of Wales Golf added, “With research confirming the many health and wellbeing benefits to playing golf, we’re working with The R&A to help people across Wales get back into golf, or to continue playing to improve their physical and mental health.
“Golf can be played from the age of four to 104, in the fresh air in the great outdoors, in many different forms and even indoors too. It’s a form of exercise, as well as boosting mental well-being in a social environment. Even following your favourites by walking at golf events is good for you – spectators can walk between 5-6 miles on average and burn more than 1,000 calories per day!
“Bringing the local school children out today was a perfect way to introduce them to the sport and hopefully they will carry on.”
Sophie continued, “We are currently running a virtual Junior Steps Challenge throughout June for children in Wales to get involved with through their golf club, by inspiring youngsters to play more golf – as the more rounds you play, the more steps you accumulate for your club. We hope lots of young people will get involved and then will come and watch their heroes play this summer at the Senior Open.”
A stellar field has already been announced as former European Ryder Cup Captains Thomas Bjørn, Colin Montgomerie and José María Olazábal will tee it up at Royal Porthcawl, and join Major champions Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington and Ian Woosnam at the renowned Welsh links course.
Tickets for The Senior Open Presented by Rolex are on sale now, with prices starting at just £12.50 for youth tickets (16-24yrs) and £25 for adults for tournament days and children under 16 are free. Season tickets, giving holders access to all four tournament days plus the Wednesday practice day, are available for only £95.
