As the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament got underway in East Lothian these youngsters, playing in a GolfSixes League event in North Berwick, got up close to the trophy being defended at the Renaissance Club by Rory McIlroy.
The GolfSixes League saw seven junior teams tee up at The Wee Course at North Berwick Golf Club.
Supporting the retention of junior golfers within clubs at a key stage in their development, GolfSixes League provides juniors with the opportunity to represent their club at beginner level as they gain experience playing together as part of a team.
Robbie Clyde, CEO of Scottish Golf, said: “Since 2019, GolfSixes League in Scotland has offered young people a supportive and social playing environment, helping them to stay in the game by providing fun competitive fixtures which complement coaching programmes.
“In recognition of the valuable role that the programme plays in junior golfer retention and development, Scottish Golf continues to provide robust funding for GolfSixes League, thereby keeping it free for all participants.
“In 2023, GolfSixes League saw an 11.8%+ increase in the number of participants from 2022, and in 2024 we are seeing more and more clubs fielding girls as well as boys.
“Our GolfSixes League programme has 141 teams taking part across Scotland this season. The North Berwick event is aimed at those who may take part over the coming years. So, it was fantastic to not only have the official Genesis Scottish Open trophy during our morning event at the Wee Course, but to be able to give these young golfers the opportunity of seeing the professional golfers in action later in the afternoon at the Championship itself.
“Junior golfers are the future of our sport. Which is why it’s vital for young people to have positive role models in golf, and we hope that this fuels their aspirations to continue to grow and develop as golfers in their own right.
“Now, as the GolfSixes League programme continues to grow from strength-to-strength, we are broadening our golfing horizons via our new programme, GolfNines, piloting in July and August this season. This new step in the junior golfer pathway seeks to challenge young golfers to progress their game further, beyond GolfSixes League, and achieve their full potential, whilst helping to close the gap between participation and performance on-course.”
The Genesis Scottish Open runs until Sunday. Kids 12 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult.
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
