The Bermuda Golf Association (BGA) announced the creation of a new junior golf programme in partnership with international golf educators, Operation 36 (Op 36).
The programme, beginning on the 25th of September, is open to children between the ages of 7 to 16 with an interest in trying golf for the first time or developing their existing skills and will run once each school term. The course, which typically costs $350 a term in the USA, is being offered at a subsidized rate for $250 - financial support may also be arranged for those who need it.
Over the course of the five-week terms, around 60 students will be able to undertake 6 skills classes at Ocean View Golf Course and take part in 4 on-course Op 36 competitions. Classes will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and the cohort will be divided into appropriate age groups. The course will be led by Op 36 certified local coaches who successfully completed Level One Coaching Certification from the organization.
This programme comes as a key milestone in the BGA’s National Golf Plan, which aims to grow the sport at the grassroots in local clubs and schools. This initiative is part of the organization’s vision to work with stakeholders and continue to create further opportunities such as inter-club junior leagues and inter-school competitions.
Operation 36 is a division of Golf Genius, a US golfing software company, and it is considered one of the most effective programmes to teach beginners (both children and adults) how to play golf and fosters a love for the game.
The President of the Bermuda Golf Association, Craig Brown, said: “The BGA Committee has done extensive research to find an engaging modern delivery for the game of golf. The Op 36 program is one of the fastest growing junior golf programs in the World, and we felt it was a perfect match for Bermuda as we endeavor to remove barriers and improve access to the game of golf.’
Co-founder and General Manager of Op 36, Ryan Daily, said: “The BGA first reached out to us in February 2021 and we were blown away by the passion and excitement on the island to use golf as a vehicle to teach life skills and for providing a competitive pathway from schools, to the golf course, to elite player development. Our program, Operation 36 is currently being used in 725 golf facilities in 15 countries to provide the gold standard to introduce and guide anyone in playing the game of golf. We could not be more excited to be coming back this fall to officially run a Level 1 Operation 36 Certified Training for the BPGA and BGA. Golf in Bermuda has a bright future with great opportunities for those growing up and living on the island.’
The Golf Development Officer at the Bermuda Golf Association, Ebonie Cox, said: ‘We are so excited to be able to offer a program that will offer an opportunity to play golf for people of all ages and abilities.’
Bermuda Professional Golfers Association President, Scott Roy, said: ‘As teaching professionals, the BPGA are committed to lifelong learning and growing the game of golf in Bermuda. Op 36 is a strong platform that we feel can assist the growth of grassroots golf at the club level.’
Any young golfers looking to participate in the programme should reach out to the BGA at info@bermudagolf.org or juniors@bermudagolf.org.
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