Following a successful trial during the summer The Suffolk Golf Partnership received £1000 from England Golf to help fund a further six sessions with students from the Suffolk New College. Five sessions were held at Rushmere Sports Centre and one at Rushmere Golf Club.
 Each session was attended by an average of 40 students aged between 16 and 21. Tuition was provided by Alastair Spink, County Development Officer for the Golf Partnership and Kelvin Vince, Head Professional at Rushmere Golf Club. Learning Support Assistants were also available to provide students with additional help.
Using Tri-golf equipment students were divided into 3 groups and were able to experience playing golf in a fun environment with a variety of activities. As the sessions progressed students were encouraged to work together in smaller groups and as their skills developed activities became more competitive. At Rushmere Golf Club, students were able to use the main practice facilities with some receiving individual tuition using the club’s practice putting green.
Rowan James, tutor at Suffolk New College was delighted with the response from the students. “The progression of my students ability has been fantastic. Those who at first struggled to hit the ball are now able to consistently hit balls into a range of targets. They particularly enjoy the large Velcro target”. He added “The whole experience has improved co-ordination, confidence and teamwork. For one particular student who often finds difficulty in attending college this project has given him the incentive to regularly participate”.
Alastair is already planning for next year and said “Some students are very keen to continue their golf experience and hopefully will be able to attend further sessions in the New Year. These smaller groups would allow us to deliver more individual based instruction and it would be fantastic to see some of these students regularly playing on a golf course”
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