The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) recently organized a workshop in collaboration with The R&A’s ‘Unleash your Drive’ schools golf program at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The seminar was specifically designed for school teachers and was attended by 33 educators from Emirates School Establishment (ESE) and ESM schools in Dubai. This global golf program is being introduced in the UAE through the EGF, involving teachers delivering the program with the support of UAE golf clubs and facilities like TOPGOLF Dubai.
During the seminar, teachers learned how to utilize the GolfWay equipment under the guidance of EGF Director of Instruction and National Team Coach, Cameron van Rooyen, alongside Nick Horrocks, Director of Strategic Partnership, Golf Development Advisor, and Consultant with The R&A and GolfWay. The program has already been established in Abu Dhabi with five schools currently participating. Cameron Van Rooyen stated that the program will complement the work of golf clubs and promote Par 3 golf facilities as part of the pathway into golf, encouraging fun and engaging formats at the entry level.
The EGF has partnered with Golfway to provide enhanced support and equipment essential for golf at the entry level. The program targets youngsters of all ages and nationalities, primarily those below the age of 12. Initially, teachers will host students at school playing fields and gymnasiums, using Golfway equipment with soft balls to set up a mini-golf course. Akram Skaik, Director General of the EGF, emphasized the importance of developing golf at all levels and working with partners, UAE schools, and golf clubs to ensure the success of grassroots golf.
The pathway following the initial stage is to integrate golf into schools as an extracurricular activity before progressing to successful junior programs at UAE golf clubs and the EGF’s Future Falcons initiative. Currently, over 1,500 juniors participate in annual Junior Golf Programs in clubs across the UAE. The collective objective is to create a structured pathway with the support of all UAE golf industry stakeholders and raise awareness among parents and children that golf is an accessible sport, with school-level awareness being crucial to expanding the game.
Van Rooyen highlighted the next steps, which include strengthening relationships with UAE golf clubs, conducting more teacher training sessions, and encouraging schools to collaborate with clubs to create a seamless pathway to participation. The ultimate goal is to encourage more individuals to take up the sport of golf and establish a sustainable and growing golf community in the UAE. The ‘Unleash Your Drive’ seminar and program serve as valuable tools in achieving this objective and promoting golf among the youth in the country.
