Wednesday, Mar 29, 2017

Dubai: The Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) Arabic Schools Initiative, supported by DP World and the European Tour, has entered its second phase.

Introductory lessons were given to over 6,000 schoolchildren by coaches from Golf DXB in its opening phase last September.

The team has now created after-school programmes at six different schools to further develop interest in the sport.

The end goal is to produce a pool of young golfers who can go on to join the EGF’s national junior development programme and one day represent the UAE national team.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest, not only from the schools but also from the surrounding community,” said Robert Fiala, EGF membership, sales and marketing manager.

“We are trying to create awareness and interest in the game. Obviously, it is going to take some time as the initiative is on a grassroots level so hopefully within the next six months we can actually see some golfers play some holes on the course. The kids have enjoyed it very much. It is something that is keeping them healthy and active. We are seeing a lot of uptake and it is something that will continue to develop. We thank DP World for their support of this important initiative”

Aaron Williams, of Golf DXB, added: “If we can introduce the game of golf to the kids and make them start playing and practicing at this age — in five to ten years’ time, there are going to be numerous golfers that will emerge from the UAE and hopefully they will have the potential to become professionals.

“The introductory sessions and after-school programmes have gone very well and the EGF and DP World have supported everything we’ve done, and that is really how it should be, to get more UAE golfers on the course.”

Hend Al Suwaidi, a student at the Al Mizhar American Academy where one of the after-school programmes is taking place, said: “I would say that golf became my favourite sport because it is challenging. Everyone can play it, but it needs patience and dedication, and I love to challenge myself and learn new things about hitting the ball and standing correctly.”

Staff Report

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