Chaguaramas Junior Golf Program: Cultivating Young Golfers for a Bright Future
Ministry of Planning and Development TT
Working for the sustainable development of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Chaguaramas Junior Golf Program is a testament to the Chaguaramas Development Authority's (CDA) commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. Established in October 2019 with funding from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs' Sports Grant Funding Programme, this initiative has introduced golf to schools free of charge and provided a valuable opportunity for ambitious youth.
The core mission of this programme is to provide an enriching experience for young aspiring golfers, nurturing their skills, promoting youth development, and advancing the sport of golf in Trinidad and Tobago. The CDA firmly believes that this initiative will have a profound impact on the lives of these young individuals while contributing significantly to the growth and popularity of golf in the country.
Initially commencing as a Beginner's clinic with the participation of 70 students from three primary schools in Carenage and its surrounding areas, the program has flourished over time. It now encompasses Intermediate and Advanced levels, with a total of 176 participating students from 10 schools, including secondary schools from Carenage, Diego Martin, St. James, and Port of Spain.
Currently, the following schools are actively participating in the programme:
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Taking place at the picturesque Chaguaramas Golf Course, this programme not only imparts the fundamentals of the game, including the Grip, Aim, Alignment, Stance, and Posture (G.A.A.S.P), but also instills values such as Etiquette, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Improvement Techniques, and Business Skills in the students. Beyond improving physical health and fitness, golf teaches valuable life skills such as patience, emotional control, discipline, and responsibility. Additionally, the social interactions among students foster friendships and team spirit, making the overall experience enjoyable and rewarding.
The Chaguaramas Junior Golf Programme progresses through three levels: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. The journey begins with learning the basics of the game, such as chipping, pitching, driving, and putting. As the students’ progress, they refine their range work and ultimately get introduced to playing 6 and 9 holes on the golf course.
The success of this program owes much to the esteemed, dedicated, and hardworking coaches. Under the watchful guidance of Head Coach Stephen Bishop, supported by Kenrick Apparico and Carlos Beckles, the CDA's junior golf coaches demonstrate commendable compassion and commitment to imparting their knowledge and skills to the young golfers.
The Chaguaramas Junior Golf Programme continues to be a beacon of hope for young talents, not only in nurturing their passion for golf but also in shaping their character and instilling lifelong values. Through the program's dedication and support, Trinidad and Tobago's golfing community is sure to thrive, producing accomplished athletes who will make their nation proud on the global stage.