THE DEBATE ABOUT THE STANDARD OF SCOTTISH GOLF CONTINUES

 EDITOR'S NOTE: We don't normally publish the contents of E-mails from readers who don't want their names published, but the following is an interesting contribution to the ongoing debate about the standard of golf - in this case junior golf - in Scotland. 

WE SHOULD TAKE A TIP FROM THE ENGLISH AND ENCOURAGE JUNIORS AT AN EARLIER AGE

FROM A PARENT 

The difficulty I fear starts in the clubhouse and golf courses in Scotland, by not encouraging the young players to be included and welcome.  Too many clubs don't let the Juniors on the course before they are 12 - I understand why - but when you look at the girls coming up and competing from England, they have been on courses, and welcomed and encouraged, since they were little, so have managed to get their faults ironed out early and their handicaps very low, much earlier than our girls can.

We are starting 'late' and not encouraging girls to continue with their golf.

Clubgolf, Highland Spring and both Paul Lawrie and this year Stephen Gallacher are helping to do something about this, and some very promising golfers are coming up, both girls and boys. Broomieknowe had their first Girls Open at the same time as the boys, thanks to Stephen and Scott Knowles who did a fantastic job this summer with the most wonderful day of golf down at Dunbar for the older players and a super day at Kingsfield in Linlithgow.  

This talent should be getting spotted and nurtured much earlier than it is. Many young players can only get access to the courses by playing in these competitions.

Not all clubs are tolerant of girls. Our daughter played in a Ladies match for her club. She beat her opponent fair and square and then was challenged as to why she was taking part as she was a 'girl' and not a 'lady'!   

No wonder so many girls are "lost" to the game on the way. Clubs need to look into their own sections first and encourage, no matter how painful it may be for some.

To improve we need to start further down the age ladder by keeping what we have and bringing on new talent.

There is a lot more to be said on this subject - favouritism at all levels from young to old plays a huge part on who is selected and who is not - but that's another story!

PARENT'S NAME WITHHELD

BY REQUEST