By Kent Gray
Students from the Al Zawra Girls School are among the first to be exposed to the Emirates Golf Federation’s new grassroots initiative in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.

The Ajman schoolgirls enjoyed an introduction to the royal and ancient game at Al Zorah Golf Club as part of a programme that will see more than 400 students exposed to the game over the next month in conjunction with the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE).

Ajman’s Nicklaus-designed course as well as Ras Al Khaimah clubs Al Hamra and Tower Links will host 50 children a week from six MoE schools in a push designed to identify and develop young Emirati golfers while “building good character through the structure of rules from the game of golf”.

The lure for participants are spots in the EGF’s National Junior Development Program with “more competitive” UAE national teams the ultimate goal for the sport’s national governing body.

“Our relationships with the northern golf clubs and the Ministry of Education has been a focus for the National Junior Development Program over the past six months as the EGF feels that our National database is stronger in these areas,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, the EGF’s Secretary General.

“Over next four weeks, these golf clubs will be introducing the game of golf to over 400 students. In return we will expect to get a handful of these students to start taking up golf as their everyday sport.”

Students will be transported to the club nearest their school uring their normal Physical Education classes.

“Instead of playing the same sports [Football, Basketball, Rugby] the students will have the opportunity to try and play golf at the golf club,” Al Shamsi said.

John Frost, Lead PE Trainer for the MoE, welcomed the programme.

“It’s wonderful to see local children being introduced to the game of golf who may not necessarily have had the provision or opportunity to do so before. This project in conjunction with the EGF has already developed their skill set and confidence in the game.

“For some, this could be their first step on a pathway to excellence, and for others, we hope that it will instil a passion for lifelong learning in physical activity.”

To find more information about the EGF’s National Junior Development Program email [email protected] or visit egfgolf.com.