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With effect from 1st January 2011, the Junior Golf Passport registration fee is £35. For a registration form, download the document on the right.

What is it?

The Junior Golf Passport is the national learning programme for young people in Scotland, Wales and England.  It includes a series of achievable targets and information about the rules and etiquette of golf.  The emphasis is on having fun while learning.  It is a comprehensive, progressive, structured programme designed to help young people learn about playing the game of golf. The programme encourages and motivates beginners through the achievement of attainment targets combined with rewards and the most important element – FUN!

The scheme sets a series of achievable targets linked to fun games and activities.

It has been designed so that:

  • It can be used within any Golf Roots project
  • It can be implemented almost anywhere
  • Its flexibility allows PGA Professionals and volunteers to use creative and innovative teaching methods
  • It makes it possible to create strong, substainable school-club links
  • The children have a great time as they are learning
  • It allows the child to progress at their own pace

The passport provides each child with a record of achievement as they develop their skills and knowledge.

How does it work?

The programme covers the five core elements of the game: Putting, Short Game, Long Game, Playing and the Golfers Code. For each of these levels there are a series of targets that get progressively more challenging. The targets are grouped into six levels:

Tri-Golf Level

The Tri-Golf level is for young children using the Tri-Golf equipment and resources. The children can be assessed as they take part in the games and activities.

Start Levels 1 and 2:

This section relates to an introduction to basic coaching for young people beginning the scheme at this level. Also, those who have completed the Tri-Golf section should be ready to make the transition to coaching using conventional golf equipment.

Play Levels 3, 4 and 5:

This section contains targets that relate to the experience of playing on a golf course. The aim is to enable the young player to play on a course independently having developed an understanding of the fundamental skills and traditions of the game.

Whilst the aim is to progress through the levels, an individual’s progress in any of the core elements need not be held back. For example, if a child is a particularly good putter he/she could progress through the putting module and could be rewarded using the stickers. A certificate would be awarded on completion of a level. 

On completion of ALL levels a player will have completed his/her Junior Golf Passport and will receive a certificate.

Rules and Etiquette CD:

The Rules and Etiquette CD is an enjoyable introduction to the key rules and behaviour expected on a golf course run through a fun and interactive quiz format. Junior Golf Passport users will see children experience different scenarios on a golf course followed by multiple choice questions about the correct way to behave. The style of learning is great fun and provides a perfect wet weather option for your coaching session as well as a simple and easy way of introducing young people to the intricacies of golf etiquette that are so important for developing Skills for Life such as respect, honesty and co-operation.

Many adult golfers would benefit from this CD!

Who can operate the Junior Golf Passport?

The Junior Golf Passport has been designed so that a number of individuals can assist with its implementation within a junior development programme. The ideal scenario places the PGA Professional at the heart of the delivery acting as a ‘head coach’ and working closely with teachers in the local schools and trained volunteer leaders.

Tri-Golf Activators are able to teach young children the Tri-Golf level

Junior Golf Leaders can supervise young beginners through both the Tri-Golf and Start Golf levels

PGA Level 1 or Level 2 coaches can deliver all levels

PGA Golf Professionals can deliver all levels

Whilst it is the PGA Professionals that take youngsters through the Play-Golf levels, teachers and volunteer leaders can help with the assessments.

The structure of the programme makes it possible to create strong and sustainable links between the teachers, volunteers and PGA Professionals, thus making it possible for many more youngsters to experience the game.

What are the benefits?

  • The Junior Golf Passport offers many benefits:
  • The children enjoy the challenges
  • PGA Professionals can use it to plan their coaching sessions in schools and at clubs
  • Teachers and volunteers can work closely with the PGA Professional, increasing the opportunitites for youngsters
  • Young beginners are given a comprehensive introduction to golf
  • The passport provides advice and tips for beginner golfers
  • Some clubs require completion of the JGP as a criteria for junior membership
  • It provides continuity for pupils in schools moving onto the golf facility

How do I get involved?

Registration fee is now £35

Once registered, a core pack will be sent which includes:

  • 30 Passports
  • 30 Certificates
  • 3 Sticker sheets
  • Rules and Etiquette CD
  • Games and Activities cards

Safeguarding and protecting children – every one’s responsibility

Golf is a regular activity for many children and young people and its influence on their lives is significant. The Golf Foundation recognises that every child and young person has the right to have fun, be safe and free from harm when participating in organised golfing activities at school, community venue or golf facility.

Government guidance (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006 – section 2.8) makes it clear that safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility including sports clubs and national governing bodies. Therefore, as part of the Children in Golf Strategy Group, a British forum set up to safeguard and protect the welfare of children within golf, the Golf Foundation strongly recommends that all facilities operating the Junior Golf Passport and running a junior coaching programme should offer minimum child protection standards. 

The website www.childreningolf.org provides guidance on child protection in golf and the responsibilities of clubs and facilities when working with children. It also provides information on the Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, and guidance on child protection policies and procedures through the helpful and practical 'Guidlines for safeguarding children in golf'.

For a registration form see document on the right.

Documents