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Junior Golf in Kerry

By April 26, 2021February 26th, 2023No Comments

Junior Golf Development in Co Kerry. How can we improve?

On Monday 26th April , golf courses around the county and country will be opening their gates and once again welcoming back members on the course. Golfers have been confined to home, using some home equipment to keep their game sharp. We’ve been restricted to just watching the professionals on television compete across Europe and America.

In the last few weeks, we have seen the likes of Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy compete in the first major of the year while Leona Maguire is proving her worth on the Ladies Tour across the Atlantic. This got us thinking why hasn’t Kerry produced more top golfers, given the number of courses available to people in the county?
We spoke to James Sugrue of Mallow, a few months back, just as the Cork man signed a professional contract. The most recent of a long line of notable Cork professionals to progress through the Munster ranks. But with access to similar facilities, coaching and mentorship why is it that nobody from Co Kerry has made the breakthrough in recent years? Why is it that no male junior golfer has represented Ireland since 2004?

Do we need to change?

With the bulk of national ranking tournaments and training sessions taking place in Leinster, geographically Junior Golf in Kerry is at a disadvantage here in the far South West corner of Ireland. But that can’t be used an excuse can it?
What about the cost of joining a golf club and access to courses and practice facilities?
The GAA and its involvement with local schools? Team sports Vs individual sports?
Caddying and the influence of tourism to the greater Kerry area?
How to make use of the driving range?

I spoke with Radio Kerry Terrace Talk host Eamonn Hickson to investigate and get his thoughts on room for improvement going forward.

Listen to the full interview here – https://www.radiokerry.ie/terrace-talk-video/why-hasnt-kerry-produced-more-top-golfers-in-recent-years-233794

Mark Heinemann

PGA Advanced Professional

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

https://getgolfing.ie/work-with-me/

Radio Kerry Terrace Talk Monday 19th April 2021 Junior Golf in Kerry

Mark

Mark

Originally from Shropshire, England Mark has been based in Killarney, Co Kerry, South West Ireland since 2002 and is Head Professional at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. Mark coaches players of all ages and abilities, helping students to utilise their natural abilities so they can consistently shoot lower scores and become better golfers.