Ryder Cup comes to Aviemore

THERE are hopes that a surprise visit by the famous Ryder Cup to the Scottish Hydro Challenge tournament in Aviemore could inspire children in the strath to become the next Rory McIlroy.

More than 300 pupils from primary schools in the Highlands – most local – got up close and personal with the piece of sporting history, and some even got to hold the cup, which Europe retained at Celtic Manor last October.

The children, all getting a taste of golf through the Scottish Government’s junior golf programme, clubgolf, were also photographed with the trophy as part of special golf days for youngsters held at the Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Course.

They had coaching clinics with two of Scotland’s European Challenge Tour players as well as watching the sport’s future stars tackle the course in tough conditions.

Miss Jillian Kean, head teacher at Carrbridge Primary, said her pupils had thoroughly enjoyed their visit on Friday morning.

She said: "They had the opportunity to develop their own skills in a practice session before watching the professionals.

"The children thought that the Ryder Cup looked very delicate, and knew that it was something to aim for.

"I believe Carrbridge Golf Club was busy over the weekend with some of the youngsters who had been inspired by their trip."

Pupil Calum Gordon said that he had been just as impressed by watching how far the pros could hit the ball. "The real golfers were practising their swings, and their balls went for miles," he said.

Government agency EventScotland, now into its sixth year of funding the Scottish Hydro Challenge, was instrumental in bringing the cup to Aviemore.

Macdonald Highland Resort chief executive Simon Jackson said they were delighted that local children had been able to see the famous trophy.

He said: "Event Scotland, with its tie into club golf junior coaching, was key to arranging the appearance of the Ryder Cup at the tournament.

"This proved to be a hit among younger spectators – local children from various schools were given the opportunity to come along to the event and have their photograph taken with the prestigious trophy."

Pupils from the primary schools at Gergask, Alvie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Carrbridge, Grantown and the town’s grammar school took part, along with children from Nairn Academy, Millburn Academy and Charleston Academy in Inverness, and Fortrose Academy.

Scottish Hydro Team professional, Jamie McCleary, held a junior clinic session and chatted to the pupils about his golfing career on Thursday, despite a broken bone in his hand which meant he could only hit a one-armed shot.

The next day, Gavin Dear, who at the time was in second place, gave a demonstration of fades, draws and chipping to a target.

Meanwhile, the Ryder Cup will back in the area on Saturday as part of the 100th celebrations for Kingussie Golf Club’s clubhouse.

The trophy, first presented in 1927, will be the star attraction at the centenary events.

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