Next Generation of Golfers Hit the Green at Spey Valley

Macdonald Aviemore Resort welcomed more than 130 school children from Highland schools to its world famous golf course for a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and play their part in a professional golf tournament – the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge.

The activity programme – which took place at the renowned Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Golf Course – was run by ClubGolf Scotland in conjunction with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, as part of the duo’s ongoing commitment to introduce more children to golf and secure the future of the sport.

Keith Pickard, Group Director of Golf at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said: “It is imperative to the future of game that we continue to work with partners, such as ClubGolf, to ensure that we attract the younger generations to the rewarding and challenging game that is golf.”

Activities on the day included expert golf coaching from Challenge Tour players, fun golf challenges and the chance to brush shoulders with the famous professionals – including Stephen Gallacher.

Keith continues: “It was so encouraging to see so many children getting involved in the programme. There was genuine interest and excitement from the young group, which is extremly encouraging for the next generation of potential pros.”

Scotland’s junior golf development programme, ClubGolf, aims for every child in Scotland to have experienced golf by the age of nine and to have access to high-quality coaching and facilities after that. The programme is funded by the Scottish government until 2018.

Jackie Davidson, ClubGolf manager, explained: “We’re delighted that through our continued partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, local schools were able to take part in different golf skills challenges and enjoy a coaching clinic from the Challenge Tour professionals.

“The young people who took part have all had some ClubGolf coaching at school so it is great they can come here, meet the pros and see them in action, which will hopefully inspire and encourage them to go down to their local club and play more golf.”

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is a supporter of grassroots golf – by aiding a selection of young golfers, enabling youngsters to use its outstanding courses and facilities and working  hand-in-hand with Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher, who is a brand ambassador for the group.

As part of this relationship, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts supports the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, which encourages and develops young golfers in the Borders and Lothian regions of Scotland.

The SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge is part of the European Challenge Tour and has been held at the Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Golf Course in Aviemore since 2009. The course was recently voted one of the finest in Scotland and offers a world-class golfing experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

For more information on Macdonald Hotels & Resorts and the group’s golf offering, please visit: www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/golf. For more information on ClubGolf Scotland, please visit: www.clubgolfscotland.com.