THE ‘Big Swing’ in Dorset is a thriving school Tri-Golf festival and one of a growing number of community events encouraging youngsters to try the sport at club level.

Three of Dorset’s PGA professionals played a leading role with the Golf Foundation to create a Big Swing-style event for 230 new young players from schools across the region.

Staged at The Sir John Colfox School in Bridport, the Big Swing was supported by Duncan Driver (Lyme Regis GC), David Parsons (Bridport & West Dorset GC) and Des Lochrie (Weymouth GC), who are all funded by the Golf Foundation as they take their coaching into schools.

School Games organiser Dale Rhodes opened doors to 23 teams of 10 players from 15 schools, all an even mix of boys and girls, took part on the day, while 58 young leaders were trained to help run the event, 50 of whom are students at Colfox.

All three PGA pros were able to engage with the youngsters in the school before inviting them back to their respective clubs for structured coaching using the foundation’s Junior Golf Passport.

Mark Boscott, regional development officer for the Golf Foundation, was keen to stress that Dorset and the region has a growing number of junior-friendly golf clubs and PGA professionals working with this charity across some strong projects.

He said: “The enthusiasm shown by all involved in this school project has been brilliant, from Dale’s great support in liaising with all the schools, to our young volunteers and the PGA pros.

“The three pros are all now helping boys and girls enjoy first lessons at golf clubs using the Junior Golf Passport, which is great news.

“Finally, all of us involved in the Big Swing wanted to thank the staff at The Sir John Colfox School in Bridport for their help in staging this event. Their support has been fantastic.”

  • Elsewhere Lyme Regis Golf Club’s midweek Stableford saw new faces on the podium as Graig McGowan scored a brilliant 42 points to get his handicap down to seven. Bernie Styles just pipped Colin Baker to third place on countback with 38 points. The seniors’ May Stableford Division One was won by Roger Stokes.