Pannal Golf Club Junior Section offers boys and girls under the age of 18 the opportunity to develop their game in a friendly and supportive environment. We welcome new members of all standards ranging from complete beginners to good players. If you are new to the game, we will provide the tuition to make you proficient. If you already have a strong game, you will have the opportunity to compete for a place in our successful Junior Team.

Our commitment to Junior Golf is underpinned by our GolfMark accreditation. You will benefit from our structured approach to the induction of young people into the sport both from the points of view of technique, and etiquette. The Club sets a high priority on coaching for juniors. Funding is set aside so that you can receive the benefit of subsidised lessons and if you are a beginner thinking about joining the Club you can come along to free Taster Sessions.

The Junior Co-ordinator (a Club Member and usually a parent) works with the Club staff and other Members to ensure support for all Juniors, backed up by full compliance with all applicable child protection legislation.

There is more information in the sections listed below but if you wish to discuss Junior Golf at Pannal further, please contact our office on 01423 872620 or visit the Club Professional Shop to talk to our PGA Professional Martin Padgett.

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP
The first step to getting into golf is to attend some initial training sessions with one of the professionals either in a group junior session or individually. Once you have enjoyed the initial sessions and become a Junior Member it is time to start playing regularly and obtain a handicap before you move into your comprehensive training programme.

To gain your handicap you will have to play 3 rounds in what are known as “Medal” competitions where your fellow player records your score against par. Our PGA Professional team or the Junior Co-ordinator can explain this in more detail. During this phase you must also gain a basic level of knowledge on the rules and etiquette of golf.

You will be placed in one of three groups depending on your initial handicap level and then you should target to move up the groups:

Beginners Group (New to Golf or Handicap 37+)
This group is designed for juniors who are taking up golf for the very first time and will be working towards getting their initial handicap. Those who have achieved a handicap of 37 - 54 will also be a part of this group. Juniors will receive a package of three free lessons with one of our Professionals. The aim of this group is to improve the abilities of the child so they can play on the course and gain a handicap of 36 or better. Once this is achieved the junior will move into the development group.

Development Group (Handicap 36 - 25)
Entry to this phase of the coaching programme will be by invitation once you have shown a commitment to developing your game and practice ethos. Once invited to join this Group you will be coached with other Juniors – maximum number per group size of 7. The sessions take place in the March to September period and a schedule will be given to you in advance. Each session lasts 1 hour.

Our PGA Professional conducts the sessions and they keep a written record of your progress. You will be shown how to practice, how to hit a golf ball consistently and where the club and ball should be positioned in order to hit the ball straight and achieve distance.

During this period you must continue to become familiar with the rules and etiquette of golf.

Intermediate Group (Handicap 24 - 18)
In order to move up to this next level you must demonstrate to Club Professional Martin Padgett your continuing commitment to regular play and practice. Your coaching programme will further develop your knowledge of the fundamentals of club and body position.

Elite Group
At any one time 8 people are invited into the Elite group where they will receive 1 hour group coaching sessions plus 6 half-hour individual lessons. An invitation into the Elite Group is both a mark of achievement and a recognition, that you possess the potential to achieve a low handicap with the requisite commitment and work. We would expect Elite Group players to be capable of selection for the Club in both Junior and Adult matches against other clubs and even in County and Regional competitions.

JUNIOR ACADEMY
The Junior Academy has been introduced for children under the age of 11 who are looking to get into golf. The academy aims to provide coaching sessions with our professional's in order to develop the golfing abilities of the juniors so they can eventually progress to be junior members.

The Junior Academy is a great first step to try golf without having to give too much commitment. It allows the juniors to enjoy some fun coaching sessions and start to learn more about the game of golf. They also have access to the golf course providing they are supervised and avoid peak busy times.

For further information regarding the Junior Academy please contact our office on 01423 872628 or alternatively speak to the Professional's team.

There are many benefits to being a Junior Member at Pannal, namely:

Free use of the practice ground including balls*
Regular coaching as part of the Junior Academy
Coaching costs subsidised by the Club*
Written records of achievement
Obtaining a recognised handicap
Club support structure headed by the Junior Co-ordinator
Use of the Swing Studio (at extra cost)
Specific Junior playing times
Entry to Junior competitions
Entry to adult competitions (subject to handicap level)
Opportunity to represent the Club in Junior and Adult competitions
*Facility not available at all other clubs in the area.