Five Scottish PGA Professionals are receiving support to run a series of free We Love Golf taster sessions aimed at getting more women and young people into golf, thanks to funding from The 2019 Solheim Cup.
The innovative We Love Golf campaign, which is run by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), is designed to provide a welcoming and relaxed environment for beginners to take up golf, which fits with the objectives of The 2019 Solheim Cup to support increased participation in the game among women and young people.
Funding is being provided by The 2019 Solheim Cup Golf Development Programme to support the delivery of taster sessions at five golf clubs across Perthshire, Stirlingshire, Fife and Angus – all within an hour’s drive of Gleneagles, venue for The 2019 Solheim Cup from 9-15 September. The women will all be offered a pathway into regular coaching which will culminate in a golf experience at The Solheim Cup itself.
The We Love Golf taster sessions are each being run by qualified PGA Professionals and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the club directly to book their free place:
- Forfar Golf Club – 31st July (Karyn Dallas)
- Drumoig Golf Centre – 25th July (Michael Rae)
- Murrayshall Golf Club – 15th & 22nd July (Gregor Wright)
- Gleneagles – 27th July (Andrew Jowett)
- Callander Golf Club – 22nd July (Heather MacRae)
The Scottish Government’s Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick said:“I’m delighted that The 2019 Solheim Cup can provide support for the PGA’s We Love Golf taster sessions at a number of golf clubs close to Gleneagles, where the event is being held. Friendly and relaxed taster sessions like this play an important part in breaking down any perceived barriers to participating in the sport. They also showcase our clubs as having active and welcoming roles within communities.”
Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive Office of the PGA commented: “We are delighted to be able to support The Solheim Cup’s ambition to increase female participation in Scotland. The We Love Golf campaign bridges the gap between women and girls who may be interested in trying the sport and the PGA Members who deliver fantastic pathways into regular participation. We make sure that their first golf experience delivers the fun and friendship that all golfers enjoy.”
Support for the PGA’s We Love Golf campaign is the latest in a number of key initiatives funded by The 2019 Solheim Cup Golf Development Programme to support the growth of the game including joint-funding alongside The R&A for a newly created role of Women & Young Persons Development Manager within Scottish Golf, a free golf club hire scheme for juniors across Perth & Kinross, a support fund for aspiring Scottish amateur players aiming to qualify for the PING Junior Solheim Cup and the rollout of a golf-focussed educational resource in schools across Perth & Kinross.
Being delivered by VisitScotland on behalf of The Scottish Government, The 2019 Solheim Cup will help to promote Scotland as an open and inclusive golf tourism and events destination, while also contributing to the drive for equality across sport and wider society domestically.
The Scottish Government’s aspiration is that The 2019 Solheim Cup is the biggest ever European edition of the event and the most family-focused golf event in history with around 100,000 spectators expected at Gleneagles and a host of activities for families and young people on site.
Adult tickets are available from just £25 with children under 16 able to attend for free. For more information visit www.solheimcup2019.com.
