Amateur Golf

Earlier this year, 18 junior girls took part in the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) inaugural ‘Camp Inspire’ at the Rock Golf Club in Minett, Ont.

Aspiring young female golfers from across Ontario between the ages of 11 and 15 were invited to participate in the camp that focused on a mixture of golf training, sport science testing and fun activities.

The program was funded by Golf Canada’s Women’s Fund Player Development Grant in conjunction with the GAO. Together they gave the girls a chance to gain valuable insight from some of Canada’s leading female instructors over a three day period.

“It was awesome [to have women coaches] they seemed to relate more to me than a male coach or advisor” said participant JJ Sparling. “I learnt new swing techniques, how to play in different formats like scramble and best ball and I learned a lot about chipping and sand play.”

On site to help the girls were PGA of Canada professionals Megan Chapman from the Academy at the Georgian Bay Club, Erin Thorne of the South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club and also Carrie Vaughn from the Clublink academy at Glenn Abbey Golf Club.

“The helpful thing about having women coaches is they are easy to relate to and give great mentorship,” said Logan Buckton.

Over the weekend the girls had the chance to interact with each other in a positive friendly atmosphere while also meeting some of Canada’s leading collegiate females who are attending schools in the United States on NCAA golf scholarships.

“My favourite part about Camp Inspire was being able to meet a bunch of new girls and being able to work with great coaches,” said Buckton.

Golf Canada’s Women’s Fund Player Development Grant is used towards supporting female specific initiatives that have a long term impact on growing the game for women. During the three days the girls spent time on the golf course playing and learning techniques while also focusing on many team building activities. They each spent two nights at the Cleveland’s House Resort and participated in bonfires and scavenger hunts.

At camp the girls not only received technical instruction about how to improve their golf swings and short games but they also experienced golf in a whole new way by competing in fun challenges like the ‘Fastest Round of Golf’ and golf baseball.

“This was my first year playing golf and I am hooked,” said Sparling. “I’m taking indoor lessons this winter and hope to play twice as much next summer.”

In addition, the grant also supports female training and player development programs that focus on long term development or player competitive experience.

For more information on the Women’s Fund click here.