Pro launches academy to get more youngsters into golf
Ross Jackson is launching an ambitious double project to boost junior golf in the North East.
The Ingleby Barwick pro has long been a driving force for junior golf and his achievements were recognised by the Golf Foundation when he won the Bonallack Award.
The former Stressholme and Blackwell Grange pro received his award at Wentworth and Brendon Pyle, the Foundation’s chief executive, said: “More than 3,000 children have had a taste of golf at school and 200 of them have been coached at his academy.”
Now Jackson hopes to build on that with the Ross Jackson Golf Foundation and the Ross Jackson Golf Junior Tour and he’s enlisted help from Arc Finance director James Sloan and Ladies European Tour player Ellie Givens.
“Such is my passion and dedication for junior golf I am starting up a junior foundation and a junior tour,” said Jackson. “The idea behind these organisations is to provide a sustainable platform for junior golf development in the North East. Both are non-profit organisations with all proceeds going to coaching or tournament initiatives.”
The Foundation will deliver monthly coaching initiatives and events, free coaching and give all ages and standards access to the sport – at golf clubs and in the community. The junior tour will have 10-12 events during 2017 with a Grand Final and presentation event, and will be aimed at all ages and standards as well as bridging the gap between mini tours and junior opens.
“The aim of both projects isn’t just to provide short-term assistance,” added Jackson. “I want to establish both organisations with the longevity that will spearhead junior golf development in the region when I am pushing up daisies!
“I’ve been fortunate to enrol a trustee for the foundation in James Sloan, who is director of Arc Finance, Health, Wealth, Estate Agents and Ellie has agreed to be a junior tour ambassador/mentor.
“We are looking to increase awareness and attract commercial partners and sponsors to help establish, grow and develop both organisations.”
