Golf clinic returns

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - Y P Sivam, The Star Metro

Young talent: Faridil teaching Fatin Teh the way to hold the club during a coaching clinic at Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club

THE Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) will be conducting coaching clinics in all the states for the second consecutive season.

The MGA has appointed V. Gunalen and Faridil Atras to co-ordinate the programme, launched by MGA president Datuk Robin Loh last year.

Gunalen said the first clinic was held at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club recently but he was quite disappointed with the poor turnout.

"We had about 15 participants. We had expected a bigger number as the Kuala Lumpur representative in the MGA committee was given the responsibility to co-ordinate the recruitment of participants. But we were happy with the enthusiasm shown by the participants.

"Some parents also accompanied the participants and it showed their commitment," said Gunalen.

The participants were divided into three groups - beginners, intermediate and advanced - and Gunalen and Faridil got them into the mood with a 20 minute warm - up session.

The coaches spent about two hours teaching the participants on the fundamentals of golf swing. The participants also had the opportunity to go on the course for putting and chipping sessions.

Gunalen said the programme was aimed at creating awareness on the prospects in golf.

"We hope to see the participants motivated as well as continue training," said Gunalen.

Last year, about 700 participants attended the 15 coaching clinics held nationwide. Gunalen said they would like to see the participants' progress this year.

"We have compiled the list and we will be able to evaluate the participants when we return to the centres," said Gunalen.

The MGA have already fixed the dates for the coaching clinics in each state. The respective state representatives in the MGA have been given the task to co-ordinate the programme as well as identify the venue in each state.

Gunalen said they would also invite local professionals to share their experience with the participants.

"Professional R. Nachimuthu was present at the Ayer Keroh Golf and Country Club. The participants had a good session with him," said Gunalen.

For more information on the programme, contact MGA at 03-92837300 or visit www.mgaonline.com.my

The MGA State Junior Clinics Schedule

March 28: Perlis
April 4: Selangor
April 24-26: Sarawak
May 10: Perak
June 6-7: Johor
July 4: Terengganu
Aug 1: Pahang
Oct 10: Kedah
Oct 11: Penang
Oct 31-Nov 1: Sabah
Nov 7: Selangor