Golf Ireland and Minister Thomas Byrne TD welcomed the launch of the new schools program as part of Golf Ireland's Major Events Legacy Programme.
The organization is looking for more than 500 primary and secondary schools to participate in this program, more than 1,000 people will be trained in schools and in the community to do golf activities, and 200,000 participants in a five-year period in all golf development activities.
The arrival of major events in Ireland is an added factor in increasing the overall strength of golf. In the years to come, the Ryder Cup, The Open, Amgen Irish Open, KPMG Women's Irish Open, and Walker Cup will capture the world's attention and inspire hundreds of thousands to pick up a club and play the game.
Golf Ireland plans to maximize the benefits of these events over a five-year investment period (2024-2028) across three key pillars – Accessible Infrastructure, Targeted Participation Measures, and Awareness Campaigns.
Through two pillared, targeted participation programmes, Golf Ireland aims to ensure that golf is accessible to all sectors of society in an environment that suits them.
Schools in all regions of the island will have the opportunity to host programs that introduce them while community-based programs, especially focused on those groups that are underrepresented in golf and sports in general in accordance with the National Sports Policy, will be presented in other situations like these. such as community centers and public spaces.
All programs are developed to include a sustainable approach that leads to lifelong involvement in the sport through ongoing support and relationships including creating links with clubs.
Thanks to funding from the Irish government, supported by Sport Ireland, Golf Ireland has employed a team of Golfers in the Community to deliver these programmes. The five officers were present at Scoil Bhríde in Kilbride, County Meath along with Minister Byrne and Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
Welcoming the announcement today at Scoil Bhríde, Minister for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “This is a very exciting time for golf in Ireland, as we look forward to hosting the Ryder Cup in 2027. , in addition to other major tournaments in the coming years.
“Whenever Ireland hosts a major international sporting event, it is very important that we ensure a lasting legacy and in particular, a legacy of participation. I very much welcome the participatory initiatives being developed by Golf Ireland under its Major Events Legacy Programme, which will benefit communities across Ireland. I want to commend Golf Ireland for their really good work in this area and I commend the good work done by Sport Ireland in this as well.”
This is the first time that Golf Ireland has had a dedicated community and participation team. Training courses have also been developed for teachers and volunteers to help deliver golf in schools, and Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly is delighted with the potential of the latest programme.
“We are delighted to see this program opening the doors of golf to young people all over Ireland, informing them of the benefits of this sport from a young age. By incorporating golf into the schools program, we not only increase exposure but also provide schools and communities with the resources needed to create a welcoming environment,” said Kennelly.
“We hope this focus will inspire the next generation of golfers and foster a lifelong connection to the game. Initiatives such as this fit in well with Golf Ireland's vision to make golf accessible to all, and are part of our wider commitment to increasing participation at all levels.
“We thank the Irish government and Minister Byrne and his department, as well as Sport Ireland, for the additional funding that allows us to build a strong foundation, strengthening golf as an open, engaging, and beneficial sport for everyone in Ireland.”
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