A brand new colleges programme launched by St Andrews Hyperlinks Belief, which creates pathways into golf for younger individuals, has seen virtually 100 youngsters participate in classes with an extra 60 pupils on ready lists.
Feminine participation has been robust, with 44% of all contributors being ladies, together with a devoted ladies’ group at Madras School.
Launched in September 2025, the programme has been developed to introduce schoolchildren to the sport in an accessible and inclusive method. It’s already making a big affect throughout all three native main colleges in St Andrews: Greyfriars, Canongate and Lawhead, in addition to secondary college, Madras School.
On the coronary heart of the initiative is a brand new after-school programme delivered instantly on college grounds, designed to enrich the long-established St Andrews Hyperlinks Junior Golf Programme (SALJGA).
By bringing golf into acquainted environments, the Belief is providing youngsters the possibility to attempt the game for the primary time in a snug setting.
Classes are led by the Belief’s specifically educated “Neighborhood Champions”, workers members who ship enjoyable, participating actions that present step one on the pathway into golf.
This included introducing contributors to all facets of the sport, together with placing, chipping and lengthy sport. Adaptive gear was used, and a collection of enjoyable video games had been integrated into every session.
Since September, six classes per week have been delivered throughout the 4 colleges, giving pupils, lots of whom have by no means held a golf membership earlier than, the chance to expertise golf for the primary time.
Laurie Watson, Director of Engagement at St Andrews Hyperlinks Belief, mentioned: “We’re extremely happy with the keenness proven by schoolchildren in St Andrews throughout this primary yr of our Colleges Programme.
“Our goal is to supply a chance for each little one in St Andrews to expertise the game in a method that feels pleasurable, welcoming and related to them. Whether or not they change into golfers, pursue new pursuits by way of STEM studying or just take pleasure in a brand new expertise on the House of Golf, this programme is about creating alternatives for younger individuals.
“The response from colleges, households and pupils has been unbelievable, and we’re excited to proceed this work in 2026.”
Alongside the after-school golf equipment, the Colleges Programme presents a spread of wider studying and inventive alternatives.
These embrace design and colouring competitions, the ‘Playground Cup’, a enjoyable and inclusive occasion deliberate for spring 2026 on the St Andrews Hyperlinks Golf Academy and Balgove Course, and a “Design a Pin Flag” mission, the place pupils design a pin flag, impressed by the theme “What I like about St Andrews,” with profitable entries displayed on-course.
Colleges have additionally been participating in First Inexperienced discipline journeys, the place main courses go to St Andrews Hyperlinks to discover how Greenkeepers and West Sands Rangers use STEM rules of their every day work.
Pupils find out about irrigation, state-of-the-art equipment, native wildlife and habitats, in addition to bunker raking and gap altering, earlier than having fun with each short- and long-game golf classes on the Academy.
Work expertise alternatives have added one other vital dimension to the programme, with seven college students finishing placements throughout Greenkeeping and Retail in 2025.
These hands-on experiences supply worthwhile perception into the number of careers at St Andrews Hyperlinks, and the Belief hopes to broaden placements to extra departments within the close to future.
Following the success of this inaugural programme, the Belief is planning a second block of the Colleges Programme, scheduled to happen in Spring 2026.
