Golf in Dundee is to receive a major boost thanks to a series of initiatives announced by Leisure and Culture Dundee.
With the Masters in Augusta gripping golf fans this weekend, the charity plans to invigorate the game locally.
Under the Golf Dundee initiative, a series of teaching programmes are being launched to tempt women and children to take up the sport. The scheme also aims to improve the city’s public golf courses.
A new coaching programme, Ladies First, begins at Caird Park nine-hole course on April 25 from 10am to 11am. The class is designed to be a relaxed, sociable way for women to learn the game.
The six-week programme is run by Karyn Dallas, a PGA professional, ex-ladies European Tour player and former Scottish national team coach. She is keen to get more women into the game.
“I would love to see more ladies playing on the courses here in Dundee, and Ladies First is the ideal stepping stone,” she said.
“If the ladies clinics are half as fun as those we hold in Forfar, we are going to have a great laugh. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone, you soon will either during the coaching session or over coffee at Mains Castle afterwards.”
Leisure and Culture Dundee is also launching the TG54.com Junior Coaching Programme in the city. It has tempted thousands of children to take up the game since starting in Kirriemuir in 2001.
The charity has also made a major investment in machinery to ensure the city’s courses will match the expectaions of both budding and more seasoned golfers.
“With a major investment in greenkeeping equipment and personnel, we’ve no doubt that the courses will improve,” said Lord Provost Bob Duncan, one of the founding trustees of Leisure and Culture Dundee and chairman of the board.