Foshan Golf Club played host to 300 primary school children on Thursday as they were treated to the first day’s play of the Foshan Open, the penultimate event on the Road to Mallorca.
Photo credit: Richard Castka/sportpixgolf.com
Part of Shimen Experimental Middle School located near the venue, some of the students have been participating in Foshan Golf Club’s ‘Golf Into School’ programme.
The children were welcomed by delighted club officials Julian Small, General Manager, Linda Liao, Executive General Manager and Vic Carder, Golf Director, who all gave a warm welcome to the students.
“It’s hugely rewarding to see so many students here today who have all had some first-hand experience of the game,” said Julian Small.
“It’s testimony that our ‘Golf Into School’ programme is succeeding and certainly gives us strong motivation to continue.”
Ms. Huang Lihua, Director of the school’s first year, said: “We’ve been having golf classes every Wednesday since 2016, where students have been getting a brief introduction to golf and we also arrange a field visit every term.
“The Foshan Open has been very successful and it’s a great opportunity for our students to come here and learn through their experiences. I would like to thank the event committee for welcoming us today.”
Before visiting the Foshan Open, students were introduced to the code of conduct for spectators and some of the rules of golf.
“We made sure we kept quiet and stopped walking when volunteers put up the signs,” said Shen Xintong, one of the male students. “We all know that the Foshan Open is an international event and players from all around the world come here. I can recognize the flags of UK, America and Italy.”
As well as watching the tournament out on the course, the students had great fun in the spectator village having their pictures taken in the photo booth, trying the golf simulator, mini golf, golf bowling, chipping game, putting game, foot golf and much more.
Perhaps the highlight of the day for them was a visit to the Foshan Open Media Centre where Julian Small played the role of a top professional at the tournament and the students acted as reporters, interviewing him with lots of different questions.
“It was a really fun day for us and I could see that the students really loved it as well,” said Small. “As a sport, golf teaches us some fundamental human values such as honesty, integrity, appreciation and understanding of others, all of which helps to make each of us a better person. Above all, our mission with ‘Golf Into School’ is to generate an enthusiasm and passion not only for golf but also for life itself. As we say here, Love Life, Love Golf.”
