By Serrin Bertino

With a vision to inspire and nurture young players while making the game more accessible and enjoyable for beginners, Yallourn Golf Club in country Victoria has launched a new junior and beginner golf course. For five girls who have received an Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) Girls Golf scholarship at the club, the timing of this new playing opportunity is impeccable. "Being a shortened and modified version of the pre-existing course, our new junior and beginner course presents a fantastic opportunity for juniors to take their first steps in golf,” said Paul Buchanan, golf coach at Yallourn. “Our scholarship girls are all extremely keen to get on-course and play. “So much so, that all five girls have obtained a handicap in the first six months of their scholarship.” Not only will the girls be enjoying the modified course, but their mothers too. “We also run beginner women’s sessions on a Sunday,” said Buchanan. “It has been wonderful seeing some of the girl’s mothers come along, and better yet, the girls helping their mums at the session!” Buchanan understands firsthand the importance of the scholarship program for girls, having his own daughter involved last year. “The highlight for my daughter was simply hanging around girls her age and having fun. “This is the ethos for our sessions. “We don’t put too much pressure on the girls. We simply develop them in a supportive, fun, and relaxed environment.” The club ‘looks forward to inviting golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill level to enjoy the modified course’. “We look forward to hosting a range of events and providing exceptional experiences that will leave lasting memories for our members, visitors, and the wider community,” said Buchanan. Applications for 2024 AGF Scholarship club funding open on 18 August 2023 and close 28 October 2023. Keep an eye on the AGF website Australian Golf Foundation is the national foundation for golf in Australia. The AGF supports Golf Australia’s vision to grow golf by investing in targeted initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy and play the game. Find a local scholarship program near you. Visit australiangolffoundation.org.au for further information. Australian Golf Foundation is thrilled to partner with NEXTGEN Group as the principal partner of the AGF Scholarship Programme in 2022, with significant further support provided by Golf Australia, Golf Victoria, Victorian Golf Foundation, Golf Queensland, Golf South Australia, Golf Tasmania, Golf Western Australia, Western Australian Golf Foundation, Golf Northern Territory, Golf Management Australia, WPGA Tour of Australasia and PGA of Australia, as well as a number of additional generous private benefactors. The scholarship program has come to fruition thanks to the foresight and generosity of Bonnie Boezeman AO, Director of the Australian Golf Foundation, who originally established the program at Killara Golf Club, NSW.