A PGA Professional and Coaching Programmes manager for the PGA of Australia, Bielawski is introducing golf to children in Fiji.

He arrived this week to work with teachers around the country on how best to coach golf inschools.

“I am going to Nadi and Suva to do teacher training, so five to six schools are each providing two school teachers. During the entire day we are going to be going through how to run golf classes in their school,” Bielawski, who is passionate about the development of golf at a junior level, said.

“By the time the day is finished, the teachers will be able to do run golf programmes inside their school, whether it’s a one-day programme or it’s something that goes for five to 10 weeks. They will know how to do chipping, putting and full swing and play little games and activities with students.”

Bielawski conducted a similar visit last year and has used that experience to further improve the education he is providing to the teachers.

“Last year when I was here in Fiji, I predominantly travelled around the country visiting different schools, so I was able to see what their facilities are like.

“The benefit this time is that I have a better understanding of what their students are like in their co-ordination and skills, what they will find fun and what their facilities are like. So now I can show the teachers how they can best instruct the kids and best run a programme given their facilities, which are all different.

“In Australia, we have the benefit of lots of golf courses and sports ovals. Here in Fiji some schools are only small and might only have half a soccer pitch or something, so being able to tailor the programme to work in all conditions, even inside in a classroom is the biggest benefit this year.”

But aside from just gaining knowledge, Fijian teachers will now have access to junior golf equipment to deliver golf classes to their students.

However, possibly the biggest benefit for Fijian children is that they now have access to the MyGolf Junior Programme which runs throughout Australia.

“We are looking to use the MyGolf philosophy and concept in Fiji. Obviously there will be some cultural differences, but we have tailored the programme to suit kids in Fiji,” he said.

“MyGolf is largely based on participation and having fun, introducing juniors to the game so they are having as much fun as they can so that hopefully golf will be one of the sports that they play.”

Whilst in Fiji, Bielawski will also provide training to Fijian PGA Professionals which is a huge boost to the game in Fiji.

“I am also doing some training with the Fijian PGA, so we should have about 15 Fijian PGA Members who will be trained in junior coaching principles and generalcoaching techniques around ball flight laws and drills and teaching aids.

“The idea is that Fijian Pros will be better equipped to support the club that they are involved with to coach the members and juniors.

“But they will also be able to go into the schools around their city and help promote golf and work in co-operation with the teachers that I have trained.”

With the Fijian International fast approaching, now is the best time to get children interested in golf. Who knows the next Vijay Singh might even be uncovered.

“Junior golf is the building block of the game. If someone hasn’t been exposed to golf and they are above the age of 25, it’s unlikely that they will take the game up because of life commitments,” Bielawski said.

Through the Fijian International the PGA of Australia is aiming to leave a lasting legacy of golf in the country.

The aim is to see more people playing and enjoying golf year round, Nick Bielawski’s training is just one strategy to ensuring this objective is met.

“By bringing a world class golf tournament to Fiji, we are providing Fijians access to a game they wouldn’t usually have,” Stephen Ayles, chief commercial officer for the PGA of Australia, said.

“Through the tournament we are developing this junior golf programme where local school teachers and coaches will be trained on how to deliver golf programmes.

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