$5000 from the first round of the Wakatipu Youth Golf Development Fund has been granted to 13 local junior golfers.

The focus of the Fund is helping youth get into golf and then develop their golf skills.  As such, most of the funds were allocated to assist with coaching, competition & travel costs and annual Futures Whakatipu memberships.

While the majority of the funds have been awarded to current players, some also went to younger children who are keen to get into the sport.

Chair of the Wakatipu Junior Golf Club, Steve Brent said he is delighted with the outcome of the first round of grants. “We are very confident that this Fund is going to further boost youth golf locally. Meeting the kids who were so excited to receive their funds was very rewarding and we are looking forward to seeing their progress as a result.  The Whakatipu has produced some great golfers over the last few years, with the likes of current Otago reps Sumin Kang and Yoonae Jeong (any many more) achieving great results, and we hope that the Fund will help produce many more passionate golfers in the area.”

The next round will open in July with another $5000 available in time to help players looking for financial support for golf programmes starting in Term 3.

More information and application forms are on the Wakatipu Community Foundation website.