Highlights from The R&A Swingzone at The Open: “The smiles on
so many faces…”
Four of golf’s leading organisations worked together to offer memorable golf experiences to children and families, thanks to the support of The R&A, during the week of The Open at Royal
Troon in Scotland. The Golf Foundation, The Professional Golfers’ Association (The PGA), Scottish Golf and EDGA were all invited by The R&A to make ‘The R&A Swingzone’ in Troon’s Spectator Village their home for the week with one central objective: to offer fun golf and a great family experience. Golf fans of all ages – from three years to over 80 – were taking part in golf activities.
‘Unit 39’ on The Open site map looked to be a small white square but spectators instead found a colourful and welcoming structure full of fun activities, and just a little chip away from the 15th
fairway.
EDGA, the acknowledged international authority on G4D (golf for the disabled), was showcasing its work as a not-for-profit organisation to grow the player pathway for people with a disability, so that
anyone can find their place in the game from first putting and chipping, to lessons from coaches to regular play and competition (‘samplers’, ‘participants’ and ‘competitors’).
Mark Taylor, EDGA’s Head of Instruction and Coaching, welcomed local people with a range of disabilities to experience hitting some of their first golf shots during The Open.
Trained RSM UK volunteers Scott Miller and Conor Rea invited along participants from the Glasgow Disabled Scouts, Enable Scotland, plus contacts through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, to enjoy The R&A SwingZone.
New samplers who were also present courtesy of the team at The R&A’s inclusive and innovative golf centre GolfIt!
Ellie, aged 19, who is a talented tennis player and plays from a wheelchair to a high standard, received her first golf coaching experience from Mark Taylor, a PGA Fellow Professional.
Ellie said of her session: “It has made a big difference to know how to position myself to turn and make a good swing, and I didn’t know I could swing one handed, which I can! Mark has given me
lots of confidence and I’m keen to have another go soon.”