YOUNG PEOPLE in Dunoon are being given a fresh opportunity to get into golf, thanks to an exciting new initiative at Cowal Golf Club.
The club is launching a junior golf programme and golf club hire scheme, designed to make the sport more accessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds while promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
The initiative has received a major boost from Police Scotland’s Partnerships and Prevention Department, which recently donated five brand-new sets of golf clubs. Local officers visited the club to present the equipment, which will be used as part of the golf club hire scheme.
The main aim of the new programme is to remove a key barrier to participation in the sport by providing junior members with high- quality, appropriately sized clubs. Young players will be able to borrow a set to keep at home, allowing them to practise both at the course and in their own time. As they grow, they can exchange their clubs for a larger set, ensuring they always have the right size equipment until they’re ready for their first adult set.
The golf club hire scheme is part of a broader effort to make the sport more affordable for young people and accessible to all. Membership is priced at £25, which includes monthly lessons with a professional golf instructor from April to October, as well as regular sessions with adult volunteers. These lessons are aimed at developing the juniors’ skills while also encouraging regular participation in the sport.
“We’re so excited to see this initiative come to life, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support from Police Scotland,” said Liam O’Loughlin of Cowal Golf Club. “This scheme will open up opportunities for young people to enjoy the game of golf without the worry of the initial costs, and the donated sets of clubs will give them the tools they need to get started.”
The collaboration between Cowal Golf Club and Police Scotland highlights the importance of community partnerships in creating positive opportunities for young people. Police Scotland’s Partnerships and Prevention Department has long been committed to supporting local initiatives that improve the wellbeing of youth and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
PC Michael Cunningham explained: “Golf offers many physical and mental health benefits, and we hope this donation will help inspire a new generation of young golfers in the Cowal community. We are proud to support this fantastic initiative.”
