JUNIOR CHARTER IDEA WAS STARTED IN SCOTLAND BY
HUGH HUNTER
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
It is interesting to reflect that the “Junior Charter” for golf clubs – an idea which has been adopted under different names by the other home unions – originated in Scotland.
Former Scottish Golf Union president Hugh Hunter, pictured right, is the man who came up with the original concept. Not many people remember that.
“Yes, the idea of a ‘Junior Charter’ to be awarded to golf clubs was mine. Around 10 years ago I promoted the idea at area roadshows round Scotland. The idea was well received and I decided to develop it further with Don Colquhoun (Perth and Kinross),” recalls Hugh.
“Don ‘fleshed out’ the idea which was to try to ensure that if young golfers were enthused by the game, then there was a welcoming club environment for them (enjoyable experience, opportunity for progression, affordable fees),
“In return the young golfer would make a commitment to the golf club in terms of behaviour, manners, etiquette, support for competitions etc.
“The final result was well received by the SGU Executive at the time, and the ‘Junior Charter’ was launched in Scotland, and a slow uptake took place. This was not unexpected, because some fundamental changes had to take place in within clubs, even involving changes in club constitutions.
It is interesting to reflect that the “Junior Charter” for golf clubs – an idea which has been adopted under different names by the other home unions – originated in Scotland.
Former Scottish Golf Union president Hugh Hunter, pictured right, is the man who came up with the original concept. Not many people remember that.
“Yes, the idea of a ‘Junior Charter’ to be awarded to golf clubs was mine. Around 10 years ago I promoted the idea at area roadshows round Scotland. The idea was well received and I decided to develop it further with Don Colquhoun (Perth and Kinross),” recalls Hugh.
“Don ‘fleshed out’ the idea which was to try to ensure that if young golfers were enthused by the game, then there was a welcoming club environment for them (enjoyable experience, opportunity for progression, affordable fees),
“In return the young golfer would make a commitment to the golf club in terms of behaviour, manners, etiquette, support for competitions etc.
“The final result was well received by the SGU Executive at the time, and the ‘Junior Charter’ was launched in Scotland, and a slow uptake took place. This was not unexpected, because some fundamental changes had to take place in within clubs, even involving changes in club constitutions.
GOOD FEEDBACK
“Clubs were awarded a certificate to display - there was good feedback from clubs. Since the advent of Clubgolf, the initiative has stalled because someone decided that it should go through a Clubgolf award, which I think was wrong: pretty pointless in developing golf at a junior-unfriendly golf club. ”Far better to give the Charter first and then do the development, with extra Clubgolf awards as well.
“With the success of the Junior Charter in Scotland, I made presentations at the Golf Foundation and CONGU, for the benefit of the other three Home Unions. Again it was well received and the other three all adopted the idea perhaps under different names.
“England called it a Golfmark, and have promoted it well, developing it to suit their own circumstances, even to adults but the fact remains that the original idea came from Scotland. Pity we (Don and I ) had not patented the idea!”
“Clubs were awarded a certificate to display - there was good feedback from clubs. Since the advent of Clubgolf, the initiative has stalled because someone decided that it should go through a Clubgolf award, which I think was wrong: pretty pointless in developing golf at a junior-unfriendly golf club. ”Far better to give the Charter first and then do the development, with extra Clubgolf awards as well.
“With the success of the Junior Charter in Scotland, I made presentations at the Golf Foundation and CONGU, for the benefit of the other three Home Unions. Again it was well received and the other three all adopted the idea perhaps under different names.
“England called it a Golfmark, and have promoted it well, developing it to suit their own circumstances, even to adults but the fact remains that the original idea came from Scotland. Pity we (Don and I ) had not patented the idea!”
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Friday, February 02, 2007
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