The Golfing Union of Ireland in conjunction with the Confederation of Golf in Ireland held a Junior Convenor/Committee seminar on Monday last in Letterkenny Golf Club. This was one of four being held across the province.
Over 30 members of 14 clubs were represented. The presenter was Stephen Hood GUI Branch Talent ID and development Officer, a former International and a GUI Coach for the past 9 years.
The areas covered were; the role of the Junior Convenor/Committee, safeguarding, recruitment and retention of Juniors, good practice and recommendations, talent, and the performance path including tournaments and opportunities.
Mary Fowley, Lady Captain Letterkenny, addressing the seminar
All of those present gave examples and problems from their own club. A long discussion ensued on what worked well in different Clubs big and small.
Also present was Golf Professionals Noel Callan and Seamus McMonagle. The schools’ organiser Edward Harvey also gave a presentation.
A section of the crowd attending the seminar with Club President Danny McLaughlin
The Chairperson of the meeting was Barry Ramsay, member of the Match and Handicap committee of the Ulster branch of GUI.
Also present was Trevor Lewers, member of the match and handicap committee and convenor of Fred Daly plate.
The Chairman of the Branch Eamonn O’Connor presided.
While there were many ideas arising from the discussions the main idea that clubs needed to embrace was that the culture of the club had to have all its membership embracing the idea that Juniors were the future, and that each and every one in a club had to positively welcome them as members.
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