THE 2019 SOLHEIM Cup has partnered with Golf Perthshire to offer free access to golf and golf equipment in the hopes of encouraging more Perth & Kinross youngsters into the sport.
Over 80 sets of junior golf equipment have been purchased by Golf Perthshire and distributed to all 26 golf clubs across the region following a £10,000 grant from The 2019 Solheim Cup Golf Development Programme.
The majority of golf clubs across Perth & Kinross have signed up to Golf Perthshire’s scheme to offer free golf to people under the age of 18 with a paying adult.
Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “This is a terrific initiative by Golf Perthshire to promote the region as a world-leading family golf destination and I’m delighted that The 2019 Solheim Cup can support this project.
“Removing barriers to entry is key to encouraging participation in any sport or activity so offering free access to golf courses and free use of junior golf equipment opens the door for young people and families to engage in the sport, many of whom we hope will be inspired by hosting a world-class event on their own doorstep in September.”
The Minister, who is a great supporter of The 2019 Solheim Cup, attended the unveiling of the official tartan earlier this month.
Allan Minto, Project Manager for Golf Perthshire, added: “As well as being a great way to encourage greater participation in golf by young people who live in Perth & Kinross, this initiative will help achieve our ambition of being the most family-friendly golf destination anywhere in the world.
“Perth & Kinross is already hugely popular with general family holidaymakers and we hope this initiative will encourage visitors to try golf alongside some of the other popular outdoor pursuits on offer.”
The 2019 Solheim Cup Golf Development Programme has also supported other projects including the joint-funding of Scottish Golf’s Women & Young People Development Manager post and the introduction of a joint fund to support aspiring young Scottish golfers in their bid to qualify for the PING Junior Solheim Cup.
The event will take place between the 9th and 15th of September at Gleneagles where the best female golfers from Europe will take on their American counterparts in a format which mirrors that of The Ryder Cup.
For more information on Golf Perthshire and clubs participating in their free junior golf scheme visit www.golfperthshire.com
