Golf clubs invited to apply for Scottish Golf's Roving Pro Club funding aimed at providing coaching to junior and beginner golfers

The Scottish Golf governing body is encouraging local clubs to apply for a funding programme aimed at providing coaching for young and inexperienced golfers.

The Roving Pro Club scheme wants clubs to invest in grassroots golf by delivering a comprehensive, self-sustaining coaching programme for junior players and adult beginners.

The framework aims to aid clubs in forging an enduring relationship with an experienced PGA professional, otherwise known as a Roving Pro.

It has been recognised that introductory coaching programmes play a vital role in contributing to the future health of the sport, for example through an increase in club membership and engagement.

Existing coaching programmes, like Scottish Golf’s ‘Learn to Golf’ initiative, are widely regarded as tried-and-tested pathways into the sport. However, approximately 50 per cent of Scotland’s golf clubs have no access to a resident professional who can deliver a quality coaching programme at their club.

The longstanding principle of the Roving Pro fund is to enable clubs, without access to a resident professional, to deliver a comprehensive coaching programme through the supervision and expertise of a PGA professional, thus establishing an enduring working relationship.

Applications for the fund open on Monday, February 27 and close on March 31.

Scottish Golf's director of pathways and coaching, Stuart Clayton said: "The Roving Pro fund allows Scottish Golf to be able to help clubs that do not have a professional or a coaching programme create an inspiring and engaging environment, motivating golfers both new and existing to enjoy the game.

"A refined three-year framework allows for clubs to work with a professional to develop a sustainable coaching strategy to help grow and nurture the game."

Within the programme, the PGA professional and club are encouraged to collaboratively devise a bespoke blueprint for their coaching provision. By establishing a successful, practical action plan, the PGA Pro will work with club staff to aspire to achieving and delivering the key goals of the scheme.

Currently, the fund is awarded as part of a three-year programme and since 2021 Scottish Golf has invited clubs to submit a maximum of three applications in three consecutive years.

Ahead of the new season, newly-interested clubs and successful recipients of last year’s Roving Pro fund are invited to apply for 2023 funding.

During the next season, Scottish Golf will liaise with clubs as they transition beyond the initial three-year scheme. By implementing a relevant planning model and sustaining the PGA Pro relationship, the Participation team will support clubs to develop their own club-led programme.

Any clubs interested in applying for the Roving Pro funding scheme can email juniorgolf@scottishgolf.org.