A SCHOLARSHIP aimed at keeping girls aged 10-16 in golf could also unearth some potential professional talent.
The Mildura Golf Resort Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship Program will provide girls between the ages of 10-16 with the opportunity to start or continue their golfing journey with a group of girls a similar age.
The free program will be piloted at 25 MyGolf centres across Australia this year and is part of Golf Australia’s strategic plan for women and girls.
Under the tutelage of teaching professional Brad Pitt, they will advance their skills through ongoing coaching, obtain a handicap and play in club competitions.
“It’s an initiative to keep girls after MyGolf. MyGolf is for ages 5-12, this one is ages 10-16, getting handicaps, playing competition and, ultimately, it’s an opportunity for them to compete professionally,” Pitt said.
“Obviously that’s a long way off, but it’s a terrific opportunity, it’s a terrific facility here, the club is behind it – only a portion of the scholarship fee comes from Golf Australia, the Mildura Golf Resort is contributing too.”
Group tuition will begin on February 20 at 9am and run weekly during the school term across 24 sessions.
“With 12 sessions of tuition and some help from the local ladies, they will have handicaps mid year, halfway through the program,” Pitt said.
“Even after Term 1 we’ll be playing holes – but only three to four holes – so they’ve got somewhere to start with their scoring.”
Pitt said starting the girls young would be a big benefit for their future careers.
“I think it’s like any sport, if you get taught before you form too many bad habits – especially a golf swing which is something you’ve really got to build – it’s good,” he said.
“The fact they will be brand new is a help to me because they won’t have any bad habits and at 10-16 they are tuned in.”
With 40 years of teaching golf under his belt, Pitt was also looking forward to the sessions.
“That’s our role as teaching professionals, to grow the game,” he said.
“When you don’t have to chase fees for it, it’s easier for me.”
Applications for the scholarship close on February 5. To apply email Brad Pitt on bcpitt@hotmail.com or Nick Cavallo on gm@milduragolfresort.com.au.
