Stars of the future tee off at Whitecraigs

The club is in the running for the 2013 Royal Bank of Scotland junior club of the year honour, thanks to its efforts to inspire the next generation of golfing stars.

Members at Whitecraigs have invested £30,000 to improve facilities so that more children can be attracted to the sport.

The club extended their six-hole par three course to nine holes, making it more suitable for beginners and more challenging for older juniors.

The extension included building two new bridges to access new land accommodating the extra holes. The practice range was also extended, allowing up to nine juniors to play at a time.

The introduction of a new ‘Wee Wonders’ membership category for ages 5-10, also opened up new opportunities, with annual membership costing less than 70 pence per week and providing unrestricted use of the new new-hole course, professional coaching during the season and practice balls — donated by club members.

Club captain Charlie Stewart, said: “We’re delighted that our efforts to inspire the next generation of golfing stars has been recognised by the bank.

“But it’s not about winning awards – the real prize for us is in helping more and more young people to take up the sport, with the best facilities and with significant coaching opportunities.”

All children joining the Wee Wonders programme must first attend a coaching session with a parent or guardian. The session is as much for the parent as it is for the keen junior.

Eddie Livingston, the club’s junior development officer, said: “The relationship with parents is vital. We understand the need for parents to receive feedback on their child’s progress.

“From the Wee Wonders to the older juniors, we have created an atmosphere where young people have the best support in the best facilities.

“What’s more, they are learning skills about etiquette, respect and lots of new friends along the way, in a safe and healthy environment.”