As part of our continued commitment to growing the
game and supporting the next generation of golfers, Blackwood Golf Club will be
introducing a new Junior Development Policy, commencing 1 October
2025. The purpose of this policy is to provide our junior
members with the guidance, education and mentoring they need to develop both
their golfing skills and their understanding of the rules, etiquette, and
responsibilities involved in competition golf. Unlike many other sports, golf
often requires juniors to play without immediate support from coaches, parents
or teammates – so it is important that we provide a structured pathway to help
them build independence and confidence on the course. Under the new policy, junior players will be
required to:
- Play a minimum of six competition rounds
with an adult mentor (either a parent, a
nominated member, or an approved volunteer mentor).
- Pass a rules, etiquette and scoring test before becoming eligible to participate
in general club competitions.
The mentoring program is central to this
initiative. Mentors will play alongside juniors during their development
rounds, guiding them through the nuances of golf etiquette, scoring, and game
management. This support ensures our juniors gain the skills they need in a
safe, enjoyable, and structured environment. We are now calling on interested members to
volunteer as Junior Mentors. Mentors will be approved by the Match
Committee and can include parents, Committee of Management members, Match
Committee members, and other experienced golfers who have the knowledge,
interpersonal skills, and willingness to guide juniors.
- A current Working with Children Check
(WWCC) is required for all volunteer mentors. The Club will assist and
cover the cost of obtaining this where needed.
This type of structured assistance is becoming
increasingly common across metropolitan golf clubs, and we are proud to be
implementing it here at Blackwood to ensure our juniors are supported,
encouraged, and well-prepared to enjoy their golf. If you would like to be considered as a mentor,
please contact me directly at the Club:
gm@blackwoodgolf.com.au or on 8388 2313
Your involvement will play a vital role in shaping
the future of our junior program and ensuring that Blackwood Golf Club
continues to thrive as a welcoming, family-friendly, and progressive club. |