A collaboration to give boys and girls in Scotland the chance to learn to play and enjoy golf has been confirmed by The Stephen Gallacher Foundation and First Tee.
The programme of skills coaching and personal development activities aims to develop children both on and off the course and could be “game changing”.
First Tee Scotland will build on the successful work of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation in the Lothians and central Scotland over the past 15 years.
The belief is that golf can help build strength, confidence and resilience, whilst, at the same time, enjoying new experiences with their friends.
With this new initiative comes the prospect of a new base, and this will be situated at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian.
It is planned to be a custom-built, permanent structure adjacent to the existing practice facilities and will include all-weather bays and internal practice areas with Trackman and video facilities.
In addition to the new headquarters, satellite bases are planned across Scotland, some in what Gallacher called “untapped places”.
Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee, said: “Today, we serve more than three million young people each year across 150 chapter markets. Stephen’s foundation shares our deep commitment to investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to learn and develop through the game of golf.”
Gallacher said: “This expansion plan is our most significant development since we launched the Foundation 15 years ago and I know the huge impact this will have on junior golf in Scotland and more specifically for the kids taking part.”
LINKED: (l-r) Greg McLaughlin, CEO First Tee, Stephen Gallacher, Jerry Sarvadi, chairman of The Renaissance Club Charitable Foundation. Picture Nigel Duncan
