Goswick’s Junior Section season is off to a flying start. Here’s a quick summary of what they’ve been up to just over the past month or so.
Monday Night Coaching — These weekly Monday night sessions began on 29th April with Junior Captain Arthur Gilroy and Junior Vice Captain Spencer McCulloch kicking things off with a traditional Captain’s Drive In.
Up to 40 juniors are participating on a regular basis with coaching on the range, short game area, putting green and even a few holes on the course. Thanks to all who have stepped forward to help. The junior organisers, though, would welcome still more who are willing to volunteer from time to time. Please contact Peter Oliver at josieoliver@yahoo.com if this is something you’d like to do.
Haggerston Golf Outing — On Friday 17th May, 13 Goswick juniors took part in the section’s first outing of the season held on Haggerston Castle Holiday Park’s brilliant short course. Congratulations to the winning team of Ada Reed, Rebecca Swinney and Isla Rutherford. And a very special thanks to Fred Rogerson who allowed the juniors to play for free, not only on that day but any time they wish to return this season. The course is perfect for golfers who are just starting out as well as more experienced players looking to sharpen their short games.
Girls Golf Taster Session — The weather on Wednesday 22nd May was awful, threatening the junior organisers’ Taster Session for the 4th Berwick Brownies and Berwick Girl Guides, recipients of Goswick Community Fund grants. However, PGA Coach Daniel Wood saved the day by staging a series of short play and putting challenges in the clubhouse lounge. The girls had a great time and, hopefully, several will take further interest in the game as a result.
Junior Development Group — Daniel has also taken the lead on a new initiative to provide more advanced coaching once a month on Saturday afternoons. This group includes 14 boys and girls, most of whom participated in the first 90-minute session on 25th May. The hope is that this additional support will help to accelerate the progress of each of these promising young golfers. This is one of the elements included in the Graeme Henry Junior Development Academy programme approved by members at the AGM.
North Northumberland Schools Games — Goswick will once again host this big event which will see up to 100 pupils from local schools taking park in a morning of fun golf activity on the practice area. It’s set for Friday 5th July from 9:30-11:30 am.
Goswick Junior Open — As you are probably aware, the club this year has added a junior competition to its slate of popular opens. It will be contested on Friday 2nd August. This Stableford comp is open to all boys and girls under the age of 18 on 1st January 2024.
Junior Friendly Matches — The Junior Section has organised two more friendly matches so far this season: 1) North Berwick West Links Juniors on Saturday 22nd June and Swanston Juniors on Saturday 17th August. In April, the Goswick juniors hosted a junior contingent from West Lancashire Golf Club.
Junior Hoodies and Polo Shirts — Geoff and Diane Cairns have very kindly offered to sponsor junior hoodies and polo shirts. This means parents can purchase these items for their child for a very reasonable £10 each.
Drinks Tray and Simpsons Malt Whisky Raffle — The Junior Section is also very grateful to parent Glen Bird of @berwick_engraving who has donated a beautiful drinks tray and a bottle of Simpsons Malt Whisky as a great raffle prize to help raise funds. You’ll see both on display on the bar where you can purchase tickets. This is a great way for all members to support the club’s juniors.
Clearly, Goswick’s Junior Section is alive and well, moving from strength to strength. That bodes well for the future of the game and our club. Thank you to all of the members who donate their time and talent to these initiatives.