Local children of all ages and abilities who might be interested in golf are being encouraged to attend a special event on Saturday February 29 at the Hyundai New Zealand Futures Festival of Golf.

Tying in with the 101st New Zealand Golf Open at Millbrook Resort and The Hills golf courses, the event is to “create a fun golfing experience for all young people and their families”, NZ Golf participation manager Thiem Nguyen said. Anyone up to 19-years-old, whether or not they were a member of a golf club, could take part.

Those participating can experience a family SNAG zone, hitting targets on a driving range, playing putting and chipping games, a closest-to-the-pin challenge and a longest drive challenge.

Thiem said SNAG (Starting New At Golf) is perfect for younger children or beginners who are new to golf. The equipment is modified, made of light material with a large club head size, making it easier to strike the balls (tennis ball sized) to lots of different colourful targets.

“The format of the day is station based so kids will have an opportunity to try everything … and coaches will scale the level of difficulty to suit the child,” he said.

For confident young golfers with some experience there will be the opportunity to play three holes, as an individual or in a team, on the Remarkables Golf course - where the kids will have a chance to meet their sporting heroes, he said.

Wanaka Golf Club’s junior convenor Benn Ashford said NZ Golf is making a big effort with this event to ensure it is as inclusive as it can be. This is the first time NZ Golf has followed this type of inclusive format, he said. 

“They’ve definitely taken it up a notch and there’s more to do.”

“With what it’s [this festival] offering there’s going to be something for every level of golfer; from those who haven’t hit a golf ball before to junior players who will have the opportunity to be a part of the NZ Open alongside the pros.”

Entry is free and equipment will be provided for beginners. Pre-registration is encouraged and everyone who registers will go into the draw to win a special box of goodies that includes Lydia Ko signed apparel. And the school with the most registered participants will receive golf equipment for the school.

“There’s significant local interest and hopefully a few families will go and join in,” Benn said.

Benn supports the effort NZ Golf is making.The range of recreational activities available for kids today is so broad that anything which encourages youngsters to take an interest in golf has got to be good for the sport, he said. “The future of the sport is in the hands of the young players.”

The event for young golfers begins with a briefing at 9:30am and the golf activities run from 10:00 - 12:00 noon with prize giving thereafter. Register here.