More than 100 students from Coomealla High School picked up a golf club for the first time this month, as the Sunraysia school launched a two-day “come and try” program aimed at building a lasting golf pathway for its students.
Held at Coomealla Golf Club, the initiative saw 109 students take part, 38 girls and 71 boys, supported by seven teachers. The program was run across nine sessions over the two days, four on day one and five on day two.
The school approached Golf NSW, looking to establish golf as part of its ongoing offering. Regional Managers Jody Fleming and Cade Webb, alongside local PGA member Tim Walker, delivered a packed schedule designed to introduce students to every side of the game.
Day one focused on the short game, with students working through putting and chipping stations alongside two Lunch Time Launch It setups. Day two moved to the driving range, giving students the chance to work on their full swing, again supported by two Lunch Time Launch It stations.
For the teachers on hand, the impact was clear from the start.
“Fantastic day for our students. The activities were really engaging, and the coaches were wonderful, guiding and encouraging the students to improve their skills,” said teacher Liz Foster.
Chris Bush, PE and Careers teacher, echoed that sentiment.
“What a fabulous opportunity for our students to receive expert coaching in the skills of golf. Every student was catered for and engaged in every facet of the session. The coaches were exceptional, and genuinely interested in and cared for our students,” he said.
Emmanuella Bouchard, SLSO and Social Media Manager at the school, said the two days had already sparked genuine interest in the sport among students.
“This was an incredible experience for our students. Many of them learned that they enjoyed golfing and expressed interest in continuing to learn and play more. The staff were very experienced and shared insightful knowledge that helped the students develop skills in just one golf immersion engagement. I look forward to seeing this exposure continue for the students and for the staff. It was an all-round wonderful golf experience for everyone involved,” she said.
The students themselves were just as enthusiastic. Year 7 student Cooper Bush summed it up simply.
“Was heaps of fun. How good is golf,” he said.
Fellow Year 7 student Anthony O’Farrell agreed.
“I liked everything about it, it was so much fun.”
With strong turnout and enthusiasm from students and staff alike, plans are already underway to build on the program’s success, with organisers looking to make the 2027 edition bigger and better.
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