Help for Negril's junior golfers

Dalton Laing, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Golf at Negril Hills Golf Club got a generous injection of goodwill recently when Dr Clive Williams, who founded its junior programme, and a group of his New York-based friends presented gifts of polo shirts, golf shoes, golf clubs and bags to the 15 boys and girls now in the programme.

According to Williams, who is a professional instructor, the programme at Negril Hills had more than 30 youngsters. However, it had to be rationalised because of the great expense involved. With just 15 youngsters left in the programme, he expects that they will get quality attention.

"I am asking the parents and community members of those still in the programme to make an effort to understand the importance of golfing," Williams said. "I need the parents to understand the importance of golf and to support the children as they practise by simply encouraging them.

"I am asking golfers everywhere to support the programme by passing on a golf club, a bag, a polo shirt or shoes, because they will be used by young boys and girls who need them to develop," added Williams.

In order to provide as much opportunity as possible for the young golfers to get quality practise to develop their skills, Williams said plans are in place for his players to practise and compete at Ironshore Golf Course in Montego Bay, where they will be able to match skills with other players.

While golf is his primary focus, Williams said the youngsters in his programme are being encouraged to do well in school because with the requisite education and the ability to play a sport they will become more rounded. He added that they will gain respect as good citizens within their communities and be better able to function in the world at large.

Although being fairly new, the programme at Negril Hills has unearthed two noteworthy young talents in Sowen Reid and Romario Anglin, who runs the programme when Williams, who resides in New York, is off the island.