Geelong Golf Club and its partnership Northern Bay College has grown and empowered students in years 9 and 10 over the past 12 months. The College’s SEED program (Sport, Empowerment, Education and Development) and Geelong Golf Club’s Get into Golf Program is a valued collaboration empowering young students and fostering their personal growth.

What initially began as an effort to engage ten students in 2022 has now expanded to include thirty eager participants, illustrating the program’s positive impact. The program’s success is attributed to the dedication and vision of both Geelong Golf Club and Northern Bay College. The golf club has not only opened its doors to students but has provided them with access to professional coaching and golf equipment, ensuring each participant receives the best possible learning experience.

Venue Manager and PGA Professional, Paul Christie said, “This partnership allows students to explore a sport they may not have had the opportunity to experience. It also promotes physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork – whilst moving them away from the mainstream classroom and on to the fairways”.

Supporting Paul throughout the clinics, is PGA Professional Storm Ord who reflects on the program as one which inspires him to continue developing techniques to engage and connect with students. “Golf serves as a pathway to achieving goals for the students of Northern Bay College. Without realising it, the participants are learning how to think strategically, utilise spacial awareness and develop key team player partnerships”.

“The growth of the Get into Golf SEED program has risen from ten to thirty students and is a testament to its popularity, effectiveness and the support of the teachers at Northern Bay College,” continued Paul. “It has become a source of motivation and commitment and as more students engage with the program, we believe there is greater positive influence upon each of them.

“This initiative demonstrates the potential which exists when golf, or any sport for that matter, comes together to support the development of young individuals. At Geelong Golf Club we are proud to support each of the students and we hope, in some small way, we’re transforming their lives in the process”.

“Over the coming weeks, we will work alongside the college to select six students to become our 2024 Geelong Golf Club Scholarship recipients. The success of the 2023 Northern Bay College scholarship program has excelled beyond our expectations and we look forward to the selection process in partnership with the College,” continued Paul.

“Our members support the scholarship program by way of financial donations through the Belgravia Foundation and our Golf for Good Day which is coming up in February 2024. It is a whole golf community approach to ensure the scholarship students succeed.”

Storm continued by sharing, “The scholarship program has been truly impactful with the students. We can see a development of individual personal growth, improved self-esteem, and greater motivation to succeed academically and on the fairways.

“It is heartwarming to see these young golfers take the lessons learned on the golf course and apply them to their academic and personal lives. The program offers not only an introduction to the sport of golf but also a pathway to success, personal development, and a brighter future”.

The partnership of Geelong Golf Club and Northern Bay College is a strong community accomplishment where sport, education, and community collaboration can change lives for the better. The growth of this program demonstrates its success and the positive impact it has on young individuals.

For more information on Geelong Golf Club, please visit their website.

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