More than 4,000 primary school children have experienced Short Golf as part of the HSBC Golf For Schools programme since its launch 12 months ago.

The Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) has been hosting regular ShortGolf demonstrations at primary schools across Hong Kong which, in turn, have attracted 17 schools to sign up for HSBC Golf For Schools to date.

These schools enjoy a series of at least eight ShortGolf classes, a fun and easy introduction to the game, delivered to students by HKGA-trained golf professionals.

For those students who complete their ShortGolf classes, the reward is a visit to a golf club in Hong Kong to receive their certificate of achievement.

Highlights so far have included school trips by more than 200 children aged between seven and 11 to Discovery Bay Golf Club, Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chu Public Golf Course and the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Speaking at the launch of the HSBC Hong Kong Junior Golf Programme, Tom Phillips, CEO of the HKGA, said: “HSBC Golf For Schools is intended to be affordable and accessible for children of all backgrounds. For those children who are inspired by the ShortGolf experience, we offer a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong.”

Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship & Events at HSBC, said: “HSBC’s global commitment to golf encompasses all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite. The success of the HSBC Golf For Schools Programme is an important part of our continuous support to the local community.

“It’s wonderful to see the game reaching new, young audiences and we look forward to working with the HKGA to further grow the programme in the years ahead.”

Also supported by The R&A, HSBC Golf For Schools culminates in on-course golf lessons and the opportunity to gain an official HKGA handicap. From there, children progress to the HSBC Junior Development Programme, a talent-identification scheme comprising HKGA-sanctioned junior tournaments and matches, including the HSBC Junior Tour and a cross-border match against the top juniors from HSBC’s China Junior Golf Programme.

The top Hong Kong juniors are then invited to join the HKGA Junior Squad for weekly coaching and expert advice and ultimately the chance to represent Hong Kong on the international stage.