Buzz at Birkdale: Global Spotlight Shines on the Future of Golf at The 154th Open
“Each year... the Golf Foundation can use this amazing opportunity at The Open to showcase its core programmes which help more and more young people play and enjoy golf, while strengthening their mental and physical wellbeing.”
A real buzz has been in the air after the first day of The 154th Open...
As the sun still sizzled on Sunday (July 12th), the beautiful surroundings of the famous Royal Birkdale links could be enjoyed by the steady stream of visiting families who came to The R&A Swingzone in the Spectator Village to play fun golf with the Golf Foundation team.
Once again, we are on site at the showpiece event, and working alongside England Golf and The PGA to grow the game together with support from championship organiser The R&A.
“Each year, thanks to the strong support of The R&A, the Golf Foundation can use this amazing opportunity at The Open to showcase its core programmes which help more and more young people play and enjoy golf, while strengthening their mental and physical wellbeing,” said Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation.
“The whole build-up across the region for The 154th Open has already introduced many new children to golf who may not otherwise have had any chance to try the game, and we are delighted and feel privileged that we can play such an active part during this historic Championship alongside our partners England Golf and The PGA.”
The fine weather and the well-known enthusiasm of local fans for The Open produced very high first day attendance numbers in the Swingzone, something that is expected to continue as the week progresses.
As well as the Golfway delivery in the Swingzone that we know and love so much – welcoming groups from schools, golf clubs and communities all week to play our fun and inclusive games – this year sees the debut of the all new ‘Skillzone’.
The new area is set on the old 14th green at Birkdale (a spot where Jordan Spieth came oh so close to a hole in one as he secured the Claret Jug last time out here in Southport), and will see adults and juniors alike take on a series of putting and short game challenges all week to add some extra fun to their day at The Open.
In this iconic footballing region it was fitting that the first event held in the Skillzone was a community festival match-up between youngsters who have been supported by the Liverpool Football Club Foundation playing against those from Everton in the Community.
The Merseyside youngsters were in action after taking part in The Road To The Opens project, a large-scale school, community group and golf club initiative based around The Open and the AIG Women’s Open (to be held at the end of July at Royal Lytham & St Annes GC).
The initiative has been run jointly by The R&A, the Golf Foundation, and England Golf. On Monday (July 13th) the Skillzone will welcome a school festival attended by six schools in North Sefton on Merseyside, all of whose youngsters took part in The Road To The Opens.
With school groups visiting throughout the week from our Unleash Your Drive programme, a series of SEND visits on Wednesday in association with EDGA, and our GolfSixes League and GolfNines groups coming along to enjoy the action, a busy week lies ahead.
“There are so many ways to get started in golf at golf clubs, in schools, and community groups, and our common theme is that we want young people to get the chance to enjoy the game and build their resilience and other mental skills as they learn the game with us,” said Brendon Pyle.
“The fact that we get to signpost these opportunities at The Open, and to meet during this week so many of the youngsters themselves, their parents, teachers, junior organisers and PGA coaches who all want to make progress, is fantastic. We know our team is in for a hugely busy but satisfying week at Royal Birkdale and our message is, come along and meet us and have a go at golf.”