THE 2013 edition of the ‘Big Swing’ in Dorset has introduced more than 420 boys and girls to golf and trained 66 teenagers as young leaders to support future golf events for new players.

In a blaze of sunshine at Sir John Colfox School in Bridport, 40 teams of nine and 10-year-olds played quickfire Tri-Golf team games, where scoring was crucial but laughter and encouragement were in equal supply.

Supported by golf charity, the Golf Foundation, the Big Swing is a major school golf festival. School Games organiser Dale Rhodes used her experience to mastermind bringing 17 schools together from all over Dorset for the big event.

Three top local PGA professionals had coached the boys and girls in advance through regular sessions at the schools, with the aim of follow-up coaching sessions at the golf clubs.

Duncan Driver (Lyme Regis GC), Des Lochrie (Weymouth) and David Parsons (Bridport & West Dorset) were inspirational on the day – with the players winning extra points for their understanding of life skills such as good sportsmanship, game etiquette and respect for opponents.

The winning team was Symondsbury Primary School in Bridport, who won the championship.

Lochrie also expertly ran a ‘Super Sixes’ Golf Xtreme competition for teams of older children, a fast-paced team event that is proving a big hit in secondary schools.

Winning area teams came from schools in Weymouth and Portland, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

The Big Swing forms part of the School Games and is now a new PE activity in many of the schools, encouraging children of all abilities to have a go.

Parsons said: “This was a fantastic event. After our work teaching golf in the schools to enjoy a festival like this was great for the youngsters. They loved it. Full marks to my fellow pros Des and Duncan, they both did a wonderful job.”

Rhodes added: “Winning teams will now qualify for a major day of School Games in the area in June, where 17 sports will come together, including youngsters with disabilities.

“Our new Young Leaders can help make this day a great success. A big thank you today to Sir John Colfox School for hosting the event.”

The Big Swing is the brainchild of another PGA professional Darren Stratman, who holds the post at the Academy at Ferndown Forest.