Pupils from Guardian Angels RC Primary School bid to be golf stars of the future

The children have been studying golf with coaches from Golf Rossendale Driving Range & Academy in a ground-breaking partnership.

For six weeks the pupils received tri-golf coaching at their school in Leigh Lane, Elton, Bury, which introduces children to golf using fun games and activities.

Then the children put their newly-honed golf skills into practice with a session at the state-of-the-art golf driving range at Marl Pits Sports Complex in Rawtenstall.

Golf Rossendale managing director Scott Grundy coached the Guardian Angels children. He said: “When we opened the driving range last year one of our main aims was to make golf more inclusive.

“Golf is often seen as an elitist sport as it can be expensive to join clubs and buy equipment. We wanted to make it affordable and easy for children and non-golfers of all ages to try the sport.

“That is why we developed our Junior Academy programme and in conjunction with the Golf Foundation have been taking our golf coaching out into local schools.

“The Guardian Angels pupils were absolutely fantastic. Most of them had never played golf before but they took to the sport really well. We hope this is the start of a long-lasting partnership between us and the school. Who knows Guardian Angels may be home to a future Rory McIlroy?”

Guardian Angels headteacher Dennis Harrison said: “It has been splendid to have the opportunity for our children to experience the golf sessions. It is a wonderful sport, bringing the best out of the children as they develop such a wide range of skills, personal development and of course have loads of fun.”

Teacher Louise Shaw, whose idea it was to team up with Golf Rossendale, said: “The children responded brilliantly to the golf sessions. As well as learning a new sport and having fun, golf has helped the children to build on their discipline and manners. It is wonderful to see their faces light up when they hit a great shot.”

If you would like your school to get involved with Golf Rossendale’s Junior Academy programme call 01706 213966 or email [email protected]