As The 150th Open got underway in St Andrews this week, one group of young Scottish golfers got a special treat on their trip to the famous course, with a meet and greet with Tommy Fleetwood.
As The 150th Open got underway in St Andrews this week, one group of young Scottish golfers got a special treat on their trip to the famous course. Eight youngsters from Monifieth Golf Club visited the course on Monday morning as guests of HSBC and the Golf Foundation, to celebrate the work that they do as part of the HSBC Golf Roots initiative.
Upon arrival, they were taken to the Sky Zone and treated to a meet and greet with Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood and Sky Sports presenter Henni Goya. The Englishman gave up an hour of his time with the children, as he answered their questions – everything from golf tips to pizza toppings and hair advice! – and gave some feedback on their swings, before playing a few fun games with them in the HSBC Golf Zone.
Fleetwood, who is an ambassador for England Golf and runs his own academy to help introduce golf to more youngsters, was full of praise for the enthusiasm and golf skills that were on display.
“They were brilliant,” he explained. “Their coach has clearly done a great job! It’s so great to see youngsters at these events with big smiles on their faces and just playing the game, in whatever way they want to. I’m a huge believer in bringing the game to life for youngsters – golf has obviously done so much for me, and I’ve got kids of my own who are already enjoying their golf. These big events are so important for us to be able to talk to new audiences, so I’ve loved spending time with the youngsters today. What better way to start my week at The Open!”
Ian Stuart, Chief Executive of HSBC UK commented: “As long-time supporters of golf all over the world, we know how important it is to provide opportunities to young people to try the game. Since 2011, HSBC Golf Roots has introduced more than five million young people from a wide range of backgrounds to this great sport – teaching important life skills such as confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
“We were thrilled to tee-off the week of the 150th Open by giving a group of children from our HSBC Golf Roots initiative the opportunity to meet Tommy Fleetwood, and are wishing Tommy all the best for the week at what will be an historic 150th Open Championship.”