Dubai: Young enthusiasts from Dubai's Rashid School for Boys were given a "feel" for golf as part of the Emirates Golf Federation's (EGF) drive to tap grassroots talent.
The experiment turned out to be a great success with a number of children from the school learning the basics of the game from Dubai Creek professionals in a fun-filled atmosphere.
"This is just the beginning. We intend to cover more schools in the run up to creating a National School League in the near future," said Saeed Al Budoor, EGF general manager.
"We are taking one step at a time. Golf is the fastest growing sport here and our intention is to ensure young nationals are familiar with the game. That's the very theme of the National Junior Programme which we introduced last year. Already, we have par-3 league for boys U-16 and U-12. The league is going to grow with our new initiative aimed at roping in more and more schools," Al Budoor added.
"Once the right competitive atmosphere is created, we will be able to see some of these newcomers making it to national team."
Hugh Brannock, from Rashid School for Boys said: "I could see the smiles on their faces and it was great to hear the boys saying they had enjoyed themselves. Their obvious enthusiasm to return for more such sessions makes the effort worthwhile. Congratulations to the EGF and Dubai Creek professionals."