Nine students from St. George’s Preparatory School were celebrated recently as the first graduates of the School-to-Course Programme, the pilot initiative of the newly established charity, Beyond The Fairways Foundation.
The certificate presentation marked the completion of a three-term journey that introduced students to golf within their own school environment before progressing them onto the course at Five Forts Golf Club. The programme was designed to remove the barriers that have kept too many young Bermudians outside a game capable of changing lives. The pilot programme began as a small after-school initiative involving 15 students from St. George’s Preparatory School. Over the course of three terms, nine students completed the full School-to-Course pathway and earned the opportunity to continue their development through Golfzon Leadbetter Academy Bermuda – Five Forts.
Beginning this academic year, the Foundation will significantly expand the programme by delivering golf instruction during physical education classes, introducing many more students to the game before providing after-school and on-course pathways for those who wish to continue.In recognition of their achievement, all nine graduates have been awarded full scholarships to continue their development through Golfzon Leadbetter Academy Bermuda – Five Forts beginning this September.“I am so grateful to have had Beyond The Fairways Foundation at St. George’s Preparatory School this school year. Coach Q, Coach Arriek and Coach Cindy had a tremendous impact on our students. They gave countless hours to introduce our children to golf while providing coaching of the highest calibre.
Friday golf quickly became the students’ favourite part of the week because the coaches were so knowledgeable, patient and fun. This has been a wonderful experience for our entire school community, and we are incredibly grateful for everything Beyond The Fairways has done for our students.”— Mrs. Smith, Principal, St. George’s Preparatory School “This is exactly what the School-to-Course Programme was created to achieve,” said Quinton Sherlock Jr., Chairman of Beyond The Fairways Foundation and Director of Instruction at Golfzon Leadbetter Academy Bermuda. “The goal was never simply to teach golf. It was to create opportunity, build confidence, and give young people access to experiences that can shape their future. Watching these students progress from their school assembly room onto the golf course has been deeply rewarding.”
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to St. George’s Preparatory School Principal Mrs. Smith for embracing the programme, and to volunteer Coach Cindy Semos for her dedication and countless hours supporting the students throughout the pilot year. Beyond The Fairways Foundation was founded by four Bermudians—Quinton Sherlock Jr., Daniel Augustus, Arriek Douglas and Ebonie Cox—who grew up in golf, progressed through the game at every level and came together around a shared belief: that too many young Bermudians are being left outside a game that could transform their lives.
A registered charity, the Foundation is built around three pillars:
● Youth Development
● Access & Inclusion
● Education & Scholarships
The Foundation will also launch an Island Junior Golf Tour, featuring 18-hole and, in some cases, 36-hole events designed to prepare Bermuda’s aspiring golfers for elite junior level and collegiate competition.
In addition, they will expand their Junior Golf Programme, offering clearly defined pathways for golfers of varying abilities. As the Foundation’s technical coaching partner, Golfzon Leadbetter Academy Bermuda – Five Forts will continue delivering instruction for scholarship recipients and programme participants, while more advanced players will have the opportunity to compete on the Island Junior Golf Tour.
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