A NEW ERA IN GOLF

After several years of trying to overcome challenges associated with establishing and maintaining a Schools’ programme,
 the Jamaica Golf Association took a major step forward with the launch of the National Schools Programme for Inner City
schools in mid February.       The lack of an accessible learning facility, funding, golf course availability and the challenge
of building interest on the part of the schools were all major drawbacks to a successful programme.  

The year 2003 signaled a new era of golf development in Jamaica with the construction of the Cable and Wireless National
Golf Academy by the Urban Development Corporation with substantial financial contribution from Cable & Wireless Jamaica
Ltd and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A).   The Academy was officially opened in November of that year
 by Minister, the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.    The Academy serves many functions but one of its’ primary objectives was
to assist with shedding of the stigma of the game as an elitist sport while attracting new aspirants to the game.       

The sport received an even bigger boost in August of 2004 when Jamaica was selected to host a Tiger Woods “In the
City Clinic & Festival” event, again sponsored by Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd.   This three day gala targeted several
hundred children from the Inner city and from this very valuable event has arisen the means to start the National Schools
Programme.    

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme, designed to facilitate the introduction of the sport to 18 schools in the Kingston
region, will be centered at the Cable and Wireless National Golf Academy.      It will then move to
St. Catherine, Manchester, St. Ann, Montego Bay (western region), Hanover and Westmoreland.      
 Twenty four students, ages 13 and Under, from six schools, will participate in the initial module of the
programme.     These six schools took part in the Tiger Woods Clinic, namely Tivoli Gardens High,
Trench Town High, Charlie Smith Comprehensive, Vauxhall, St. Annes and Denham Town High. 
 

There will be two phases, introductory and developmental.   The introductory phase will consist of three
modules, each lasting for ten weeks.   Students will be transported to and from the Academy and
will spend at least four hours per week training.   It is envisioned that at the end of each module, a
Drive Chip and Putt competition, along with a written test will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions.
                                       

At the end of each module, the best two students from each school will be selected for an Advanced Developmental phase
during which time further training, including time on an actual golf course, will take place. 

By the end of 2006, it is expected that all interested schools across the island, including Prep Schools, will be enrolled.    At
the end of each year, the programme will culminate in the Cable & Wireless Interschools Championship, in the format of a Drive, Chip and Putt Competition to be held at the Academy.