Chalmers a hit with juniors

A Scottish junior coach who places the emphasis on fun is carving out a burgeoning reputation in golf.

Banchory Golf Club’s Steven Chalmers (above left) is a Scottish development coach for the SGU and last year saw record numbers of around 100 children sign up for his coaching programme.

His commitment to his role was underlined in 2014 by him being awarded PGA Advanced Professional status and passing the PGA Level 3 coaching award.

In addition he also graduated with an Advanced Certificate in Golf Coaching from the University of Birmingham.

Chalmers believes keeping instruction simple, and ensuring there are plenty of fun and games, is the key to his success.

“The secret is to not bore kids with all the technical jargon, just coach the basics and let kids have fun and discover how fun golf is,” he said.

“One of the big successes has been if we make a golf change we do it in a game format so the kids are having fun while learning new skills.

“We also make the sessions more golf like by coaching on the golf course with games simulation through on course scenarios.”

Chalmers is a shining example of The PGA’s Right Coach; Right Place; Right Time philosophy which aims to give every golfer, at whatever age or ability, access to top class coaching.

Other gems for keeping kids interested include making sure kids have correct sized equipment.

“That’s important as is keeping kids active during sessions because inactivity during a session leads to loss of focus and boredom and most likely possible drop out in the future,” he added.

“We make sure all tasks and games are aimed at a pupil’s skill level and that the tasks are achievable. If tasks are too hard you again risk losing pupil interest.

“My other big tip is to speak to juniors at their level and not  talk to them as mini adults.

“Keep what you say basic and to a minimum as kids are not mini adults and do not understand commands as adults do or want to.

“These are just a few of the tips I have stuck to over  time and have reaped the rewards as the golf programme numbers have increase due to this new approach being implemented years ago.”