Nursery Golf Programme Gets Kids In The Swing

A Worcestershire children’s nursery has developed a unique way of increasing the confidence and social skills of its pre-schoolers through a successful golf tuition programme.

Phoenix Childcare Nursery, part of the Gaudet Luce Golf and Leisure Club near Droitwich, is now into the sixth year of its popular kids golf lessons – an initiative which has seen over 100 children take part since 2007.

The programme, which is run by Gaudet Luce professional Russell Adams, is helping almost 30 young children every week to increase their self-confidence, co-ordination and well-being.

Based around different elements of golf, through his golf academy Mr Adams has introduced a tailor-made curriculum which works alongside the children’s nursery lessons.

The programme includes team games, golf tuition using over-sized golf equipment and ‘Tri Golf’ equipment for indoor use when the weather is poor.

Libby Groves, nursery manager at Phoenix Childcare Nursery, said: “We’re now into our sixth year of the golf lessons and the feedback from both the children and their parents has been fantastic.

“We are based right next door to the club so back in 2007 we decided to try something different. The idea was based around getting the children to learn different skills and get them into sport while working alongside the curriculum. But we looked at how we could use sport as a catalyst for their learning and confidence.

“Every week we have nearly 30 children taking part in the lessons with Russell. They have great fun with him and often don’t want to come back inside as they get so much from the time spent on the putting greens and the driving range.

“Parents are able to get regular updates from Russell on their child’s progress and are very supportive of the programme and what we are trying to achieve. The backing from the golf club, parents, and of course Russell, has been phenomenal and that has helped the sessions go from strength to strength.”

Russell Adams, club professional and Gaudet Luce Golf Club, added: “Working alongside the staff at the nursery we have devised a really fun programme but one where the children learn about teamwork, the importance of sport and different skills such as co-ordination and balance.

“We make the sessions really interactive. They tend to last no more than 30 minutes but it gives us lots of time to play different games and also for them to learn a little more about the game of golf.

“Although it is too early to say if we have next the Rory McIlroy or a budding Michelle Wie, we have a few kids who are showing early promise and some real natural ability.”

Mr Adams said that Gaudet Luce Golf Club is also taking part in the annual Midlands Golf Week which runs from April 12-21. The festival, which aims to increase golf participation, has seen nearly 5,000 would-be golfers giving the sport a go during its first two years.

Gaudet Luce will be offering free sample sessions and a taster coaching programme for all ages and abilities.