SCHOOL GOES GOLF CRAZY

One of England’s top schools is offering pupils the chance to learn and play golf very day in a bid to produce the next Tiger Woods or Laura Davies.

Millfield School in Somerset is providing the equivalent of an American golf collegiate style of education to its budding golfers, as part of the normal day-to-day curriculum.

And the driving force behind this unique initiative is the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), which has now endorsed the Golf Academy at Millfield School.

This is the first time that the PGA has given a school this recognised status and follows the appointment of Dean Halford as Millfield’s full-time PGA Teaching Professional.

Facilities at Millfield include a 9 hole course plus a 9 hole pitch and putt and two practice grounds – set up as both a short and long driving range. While many schools now offer golf as a sports option and have their own golf course, Millfield is the only school to be offering a full-time golf education programme, covering every aspect of the game.

29 year old Dean Halford, who is a qualified PGA professional, joined the school last year as Director of Golf and currently teaches pupils from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

As he explained: “Every pupil has the option to have a lesson each school day and the keen ones spend every free minute of their social time either practicing or playing. We’ve now got 26 single figure golfers this year, which include Alex Marshall aged 14 years who plays off a six handicap. It’s marvellous, everyone is really swinging into action.

“Last year we had two junior internationals in Gemma Pritchard and Lindsey Elkins and four handicap Ben Evans aged 12 years who is in the England Boys coaching scheme is joining the school in September”, he added.

Commenting Mr Gerry Paton, Director of Training and Education at the PGA said: “it’s great to see such first class facilities for golf being offered at a school and we’re delighted that the interest from pupils is so high and that Dean Halford is kept busy. Let’s hope this is the first of many such establishments at schools and that through Dean and Millfield School the PGA is able to assist those particularly talented kids aspire to their golfing heroes.”

As Mr Peter Johnson, Headmaster at Millfield explained: “We have built our heritage and reputation on producing the finest sports men and women for the future and golf is no exception. We have the facilities and excellent teaching skills available and this endorsement from the PGA is the icing on the cake for young budding golfers everywhere.”