NEWS

News release 14 February 2007

St Andrews juniors to benefit from generous R&A award

Juniors at the Home of Golf can look forward to an increased level of support from the game’s governing body after The R&A agreed to a substantial increase in their funding for St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association. Following an initial five year commitment, The R&A has announced that their backing for SALJGA will continue for a second five year term with their contribution rising by twenty five per cent, to £62,500.

Duncan Weir (left), R&A Director of Golf Development and Paul Kirkcaldy of SALJGA shake hands on a great deal for juniors in St Andrews

‘We have been involved with SALJGA since 2002, right from the start,’ said Duncan Weir, R&A Director of Golf Development. ‘Enormous progress has been made, with hundreds of kids getting a start in the game, and St Andrews is now punching its weight at county and national level in both boys’ and girls’ events.’

The endorsement of The R&A for the work of the SALJGA programme was welcomed by Paul Kirkcaldy, Junior Golf Manager.

‘This is a great boost for all of us who work with the juniors in St Andrews,’ said Paul. ‘The R&A’s generosity is an indication of their long standing commitment to grass roots golf.’

The award comes from the annual surplus generated by The Open Championship and is part of a series of R&A grants that encourage young people worldwide to take up golf and develop their skills.

SALJGA members enjoy a wide of range of benefits, including privileged access to the Golf Practice Centre. A structured programme of lessons is delivered at two levels, with the younger beginners under the supervision of volunteers on the nine-hole Balgove Course and more accomplished players under the tutelage of PGA professionals.

Open Champion Paul Lawrie is honorary president of SALJGA, which gives young players the opportunity to learn from someone who has reached the pinnacle of the game. After a recent coaching session with the juniors, Lawrie commented: 'I was very impressed with the quality of their games and also the level of enthusiasm in the group.'

Duncan Weir took time to praise the Links Trust for recent improvements, particularly in the availability of top class coaching in state of the art surroundings at St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

‘Over the last five years local facilities have been enhanced and there are more opportunities to participate in golf than ever before.

‘The R&A is delighted to help in the further development of SALJGA and we hope that St Andrews kids will take advantage of what is on offer. There is no comparable organisation operating so effectively on this scale in Scotland.’

Ends.

Media contact
Mike Woodcock
Communications manager
St Andrews Links Trust

Telephone: 01334 466610

E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk