Young golfers can learn from golf pro Kyle Elmer thanks to a new programme, initiated by a local mother of two.

Trudy Talbot said her idea to get the programme started was to help those who did not have a traditional pathway into the sport.

“Our son got invited along to golf and we knew nothing about golf . . . so it’s grown from there.

“Golf can be an intimidating environment to go into and we recognised that it’s not easy. There’s rules and etiquette, it can seem like a barrier . . . and what we really want is more kids to get involved.

“Hopefully, we will have some great golfers coming through.”

Trudy said that historically Dunstan Golf Club might have had two junior members join each year. 

Since the junior golf programme kicked off the numbers have skyrocketed; there are now 36 junior club members playing. 

“We’ve been pleased at the turnout so far, but we know we have more kids to reach.

“It’s so amazing for the kids to be playing and having a pathway for enjoying golf and working towards a handicap . . . we are very lucky to have the support of Kyle Elmer . . . and now also Golf New Zealand.” 

There were six weeks of junior golf lessons held over the Christmas holidays by Kyle and now competition has started; the emphasis is on fun and learning.  

There is no need to bring anything along, as Dunstan Golf Club is making clubs available for youngsters at each session.

Trudy said the aim was to work towards matches with Wakatipu and increase the opportunities for teenagers.

The youngsters play ‘progressive golf’ where they begin at 20 metres from the centre of the green, and as they improve - and score a total of 12 or less for three holes - they move further away to 50m, 90m, 135m and then the purple tees.  

Trudy and fellow organiser Tania Elmer thanked local business sponsors for their support; Golf Warehouse Dunedin, Jamies Jewellers, Four Square Clyde, Andrew Little from Harcourts, along with Kyle Elmer Golf Pro Coach.

Tania said they would welcome sponsorship or prize donations from other businesses.

“We’re keen for more support, that means more prizes that we can have for the kids.” 

According to Golf New Zealand, more than half a million people in New Zealand tee up each year.

The national body for the sport said there are multiple reasons to give it a go; it’s good for your heart rate, soothes the mind, it's a way to connect with friends and nature and it’s good for recovery. 

Local golf for women has been reinvigorated recently with groups playing at Roxburgh, Alexandra and Dunstan golf clubs, with the backing of the national ‘She Loves Golf’ campaign.

To find out more about the junior golf sessions email Trudy: [email protected] or text 021307778. 

To play in the competition rounds children do need to become a junior member of Dunstan Golf Club, it's $50 and runs until the end of February 2025. 

Read more: Successful golf trilogy tournament. 

Read more: Central women love giving golf a go

Read more: Fourteen hours of golf coming up for The Birdies