VICTOR Harbor Golf Club will run a junior girls golf scholarship program this year, after it was successful in its application for funding from the Australian Golf Foundation.

Club manager Martin Southern says the program, which will begin next month, will offer four golf scholarships to girls aged 10 to 16.

He says the scholarship program is part of a national pilot in partnership with Golf Australia.

“All we ask is that applicants display a desire and willingness to improve their golf skills, obtain a handicap and play in club competitions, or at least socially,” Mr Southern says.

“There is also an expectation that the successful candidates engage in any extra-curricular activity to help create friendships between fellow scholarship holders.”

The program aims to foster a love of golf by creating a strong bond between girls aged 10 to 16, and the national junior introductory program MyGolf. MyGolf is designed for five to 12-year-olds and is the major driver of junior golf participation in Australia.

Mr Southern says the scholarship program, and the club, hopes to encourage and support girls to continue their golfing journey throughout their teenage years and beyond.

“While the program's primary aim is to retain girls, girls new to golf may also be engaged in this program should they demonstrate a commitment to learning the sport,” he says.

Under the tutelage of a PGA professional, and with the support of parents and club co-ordinators, Victor Harbor scholarship holders will have the opportunity to advance their skills through ongoing coaching, obtain a handicap, play in competitions and form lifelong golfing friendships.

They will also receive a club shirt and hat with Australian Golf Foundation scholarship identification, and a one year junior membership that carries playing rights.

Mr Southern says while many girls would continue to enjoy golf throughout their lives, the scholarship program was also a chance to develop and future high-performance athletes or teaching professionals.

“Female professional numbers have continued to decrease in past years and it is important that we continue to provide opportunities for young girls to see golf as a viable career path, whether as a player or a PGA professional,” he says.

For more information about the junior girls golf scholarship program, or to apply, email  Martin Southern at [email protected], Linda Hodgson at [email protected] or call the club on phone 8552 2030.

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