Kids’ Golf Festival Offers Fun All The Way At Fairmont St Andrews
A four-year-old You Tube sensation takes star billing at the Kids’ Golf Festival at Fairmont St Andrews, the luxury accommodation provider at the Home of Golf, at the beginning of Open week.
Tommy Morrissey was born with just one arm but that doesn’t stop him playing and enjoying golf. And the youngster, from Florida, captured the collective heart of the USA when he appeared on Fox News – and subsequently You Tube – demonstrating his golfing prowess.
He’s even gone on to meet Tiger Woods and, in a video viewed by nearly seven million people, given the former world number one a ‘lesson’.
The 14-time Major winner, who was clearly enjoying the company of his new friend, said: “I was shocked to see what he’s able to do. It’s amazing that with his left hand he can get that power and hit it that hard.”
The charming Morrissey is just one of the many youngsters who will be attending the day, from 12.30pm-4.30pm, which is promoted by Golphinforkids, the creator of a range of new lightweight, child-friendly golf clubs manufactured using high-tech materials normally found in the wings of spacecraft and aeroplanes.
Joining Morrissey will be five-year-old Jack Dirkin, from Telford, who is the UK’s number one in his age group and a finalist in the world under-six championship – and another who has attracted the attention of the TV sports show.
Also displaying their skills will be members of the European Junior Golf Tour, winners of Golfphinforkids’ skills challenge events, and several exciting young local Scottish talents, while former World Trickshot Championship finalist Dean Davis will entertain everybody with his unique show.
The founder of Golphinforkids, Calum McPherson, from Lochwinnoch, said: “The day is all about engaging youngsters with the sport of golf, whether it’s because they are inspired by Tommy and Jack, or because they find our new clubs much easier to use … ultimately, the reasons they start playing become irrelevant.
“This day is all about promoting the fun and family side of kids’ golf. Then it’s all about encouraging their interest, ensuring they’re enjoying themselves doing it and retaining them in the game that becomes the most important thing. And we really couldn’t wish for a better setting for it, in this week of all weeks.”
There are a number of prizes to be won on the day in the Golphinforkids skills challenges, with all clubs and balls provided by the organisers. There will also be a family barbecue, with all the participating ‘kids’ eating free.
Amy Yeates, director of golf at Fairmont St Andrews, said: “We’re delighted to be able to host this event, particularly in a week when the focus of the golfing world is on our glorious ‘Auld Grey Toon’.
“Calum has really hit on something with the Golphinforkids lightweight clubs. We wish him every success in his attempt to engage with youngsters, not just at the Kids’ Golf Festival but in the future also.”
The multi-award-winning Fairmont St Andrews sits in a majestic cliff-top location overlooking the North Sea and the historic ‘Auld Grey Toon’.
Voted IAGTO’s European Golf Resort of the Year in 2012 and winner of the award for ‘best large hotel’ in the 2014 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, the resort boasts two championship golf courses – The Torrance and The Kittocks – and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including both the Open Championship’s final local qualifying and the Scottish Senior Open, which it has hosted for the past six years.
In addition to golf events Fairmont St Andrews has also hosted some of the world’s most important politicians and powerbrokers as a venue for both Northern Ireland peace talks and a G20 Summit.
The resort has also welcomed the likes of Kofi Anan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – who frequented the hotel bar during their courtship at St Andrews University – and a multitude of celebrities and sports stars.
As well as exceptional golf and a world-class spa, Fairmont St Andrews includes award-winning dining, luxurious guest accommodation and exceptional service, as well as unfettered access to the charms of the old town of St Andrews itself, the unique Home of Golf.
Tickets to the Kids’ Golf Festival, at Fairmont St Andrews, on Monday, July 13, cost £7.50 and the event is open to all ‘kids’ aged three an upwards. To register visit www.golphinforkids.com.