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| Sarah Bennett Essex County Coach accompanying her players to the Ladies European Masters |
The Ladies European Tour (LET) Development Department engaged with golfers of all ages and abilities at the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters, working with England Golf, The Golf Trust and the counties of Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire (BB&O) to deliver activities for everyone, whatever their background, to have access and enjoy the sport.
The Golf Trust
The Golf Trust introduced 2000 children to golf through SNAG golf, (Starting New At Golf), at Buckinghamshire Golf Club last week. SNAG golf is a fun and easy way to get kids introduced to the game through the use of giant plastic clubs with bright and colourful targets.
After visiting Buckinghamshire Golf Club, one parent, whose son attended with his school, commented: “We never knew golf could be so fun and inclusive. It seems a game so far away from us, but after this, the whole family will be engaging together in regular lessons to carry on this amazing week.”
The Golf Trust has been introducing golf to school P.E. classes and brought a number of children from local schools to the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters.
One boy, from Harlyn Primary School, said: “I want to be a caddie when I get older. I had never been to a golf course before but now I’ve had the chance to try it and see what it’s like. It was fun watching the professionals hit it so far. That was really cool.”
All school children were given two season tickets for their parents to go back and visit over the weekend.
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County Golf Partnerships
Essex and BB&O County girls had a guided tour behind the scenes of the LET to understand more about professional tournament golf and opportunities within the sport.
LET Members Sally Watson and Sophie Walker sat down with the amateurs after their rounds to share their stories and experiences from their amateur careers whilst also answering their questions about what it takes to become a successful professional on tour.
Sarah Bennett, Essex County Coach, said: “It was a great to pleasure to bring my players to the Ladies European Masters as I incorporate many aspects of player development in my coaching, they all had an amazing experience and are still talking about their day. For me personally makes me proud to still be a member of the Tour of some 20 years and watch the growth of the LET and the standard of the players grow year on year.”
One parent said it is a day that money can’t buy and to spend with the players and Sarah will be long remembered.
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| Sarah Bennett with her players from Essex developing girls’ golf with the LET and Sophie Walker |
England Golf
The best junior amateurs from England were invited to play in the pre-tournament Pro-Am to help them prepare for this week’s European Girls’ Team Championship in Slovakia.
Alice Hewson, Inci Mehmet and India Clyburn, sister of Holly, a winner on the LET last year in Holland, played with Hannah Burke, who was able to give them some great insight and advice.
Developing Golf
The LET has a new strategy to create a development pathway from entry level to the heights of professional golf by providing an inspirational vision to aspire through richer amateur golf integration, members’ education and services. This is at the core of the organisation’s commitment to developing sport, seeking to build foundations for success on the world stage.
