Growing The Game With Golf Burnaby
images courtesy Golf Burnaby
Over The Past 15 Years, Golf Burnaby Has Worked With The Burnaby School Board To Introduce The Game Of Golf To Grade 5 & Grade 10 Students Throughout Burnaby
Golf Burnaby is growing the game of golf through their 'Reach Out' school-based program.
Faced with declining numbers in golf participation, fifteen years ago Golf Burnaby’s Operations Department decided to take matters into their own hands and offer an introduction to golf in the community. The goal was to offer an opportunity for the children to experience various aspects of the game, all within an environment of fun.
The Golf Burnaby Elementary School Lesson Program was developed and the ball started rolling to introduce elementary school children to the game of golf. In conjunction with the Burnaby School Board, Golf Burnaby introduced the game of golf to students at the grade 5 and grade 10 levels throughout the City of Burnaby via the schools’ physical education classes.
At the Elementary School level, lessons were conducted in-school with certified golf instructors targeting Grade 5 students. In-school programs included four sections: a power point presentation outlining the basics of the game, one putting station, one full swing station, and finally a putting contest for all the class.
All equipment was provided by Golf Burnaby and with no cost to the schools or students. The program helped introduce the game of golf to more than 13,000 students over the past twelve years.
"Thank you very much for the golf opportunity. The teachers who participated felt the students enjoyed it. They also appreciated the exposure to a different sport than what is offered here at the school. I hope we can do it again! Thanks again." - Casey Armstrong, Capitol Hill Elementary School
"I just wanted to send a note of thanks for the golf program. All five classes enjoyed learning the sport and are now eager to hit the driving range and golf courses around town. The instructors were great! See you next year! " - Marian Mann, Teacher, Cascade Heights School
At the high school level, lessons were offered to Grade 10 students by CPGA professionals either at school or at City of Burnaby Golf Courses – Burnaby Mountain and Riverway, depending upon availability.
The program followed a four lesson format featuring 3 lessons focusing on the skills of putting, chipping and the full swing as well as a brief overview of the history, basic rules, and etiquette of golf.
Each student was charged $10 ($2.50 per session) to cover instruction and range balls, all other equipment was provided free of charge. Over the past fourteen years the program has taught more than 16,000 students the game of golf.
By identifying a need to take golf out to the community Golf Burnaby has been able to expose the game to many students and grow participation with many now continuing to play the game. Through Golf Burnaby's school program they have introduced the game to close to 30,000 students with continued growth.
Golf Burnaby facilities teach more than 400 individual juniors per year, and more than 500 adults per year. They also host high school golf matches from the Burnaby, Vancouver and Independent School Leagues.
British Columbia Golf Executive Director Kris Jonasson is very impressed with the work being done by Golf Burnaby in the schools saying, "The Golf Burnaby 'Reach Out' program is a 'best in class' school golf program and has been tremendously successful in growing the game of golf in the community by introducing the kids to golf and helping to get them from the schools to the golf course."
British Columbia Golf offers a Golf in School Program, helping to introduce the game of golf in a fun, safe, and educational setting. Through the “Playground to Fairway” school golf program, BC Golf looks to bring golf to every school in British Columbia. On a national level the Golf In Schools program run by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada is also helping to bring the game of golf to Canadian schools.
For more information, please contact:
Matthew Steinbach, Manager of Golf Participation at British Columbia Golf
matthew@britishcolumbiagolf.org
or Hal Eremko Head Professional with Golf Burnaby