Hong Kong: Hundreds of school children across Hong Kong are enjoying their introduction to the sport with the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) ‘Golf for Schools’ initiative well under way.

Primary schools in Fanling, Sha Tin, Sheung Shui, Tung Chung and Wan Chai have already signed up for the new programme.

Launched during last year’s Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Golf for Schools gives children aged between six 6 and 12 the chance to try golf at school through a fun and unique training system called ShortGolf.

Around 1,500 students have now attended ShortGolf demonstrations hosted by the HKGA and more than 150 children have begun ShortGolf classes at school.

With support from The R&A and the HKGA’s other partners, 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, the HKGA then offers a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong.

Wong Man-chi, Student Affairs In-Charge of HKCKLA Buddhist Wisdom Primary School in Fanling, said:  “Golf for Schools is introducing our pupils not just to golf but also to the values and life-skills that the sport represents. Hopefully one of our children will be inspired by the experience and go on to represent Hong Kong at the highest level.”

Ning Li, President of the HKGA, said: “Golf for Schools only works if there is an affordable pathway into the sport with access to coaching and facilities. We have overwhelming support and co-operation from the HKGA’s four constituent golf clubs – Hong Kong Golf Club, Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay and Shek O – plus Kau Sai Chau, Nine Eagles and other golf facilities across Hong Kong.”

Li added: “The support of our partners, including Mercedes-Benz, EFG Bank and Descente Trading Limited, is also crucial to Golf for Schools, as is backing from The R&A and co-operation from the Hong Kong Government and the Hong Kong PGA.

“In recent months we have seen Tuen Mun resident Tiffany Chan graduate from the HKGA’s junior programme and break into the top-10 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking. We hope Golf for Schools will enable many more Hong Kong children to follow similar dreams.”