Putt, chip and tee off for fun, fitness

The organisation’s manager of game development, Andrew Robb, said more than 60 people had decided to give the sport a try, or in some cases to come back to it, during a recent recruitment push.

Golf NSW offered an introductory Golf for Seniors program at 16 clubs between April 21 and May 31.

Under the program, developed in conjunction with the NSW Office of Sport, participants were given six one-hour lessons on the fundamentals of the game.

“The aims are to get more seniors playing the game, help them learn the basic skills and to stay fit and healthy while also providing opportunities for social involvement,” Mr Robb said.

Patrick and Doreen Condon decided to sign up for the course at Lakeside Golf Club in Camden due to their four-year-old grandson’s interest in the game.

They had also recently moved to a retirement village with a nine-hole course.

Doreen was hoping to learn a bit about hitting technique and to get some other useful tips, while Patrick, who had played once or twice before, hoped he would learn enough to develop some consistency.

“I like it,” Doreen said. “I thought if I knew how to hit the ball properly and knowing it will go where I want it to might help.”

Patrick said he had played a long time ago with people who could play very well, while he was only learning.

“One of them always had to stay back and play with me as the rest played on. It put me off,” he said.

“It should make it more enjoyable if you know what you’re doing.”

Golf NSW will offer another round of courses in September and welcomes inquiries from anyone interested.

People keen to try the sport before September should contact Golf NSW or their local club.