ISLAND schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to learn golf as a result of free taster sessions being taken into schools.

Eight primary and one secondary school have already joined the scheme which is being run by a Junior Golf Development Group headed by professional Wayne Osmand of Les Mielles Golf Club.

Osmand said: ‘Many sports in Jersey have a development leader but golf has not so as professionals we decided we had to do something about that and as a result the pros have formed the Junior Golf Development Group.

‘Derek de la Haye [assist minister of Education, Sport and Culture] is our chairman and he has helped us bring it all together and take golf into the schools. ‘We want to promote the game and by taking it into the schools we are introducing newcomers to the sport. The golf is an alternative to a PE lesson and the children will be using Tri-golf equipment so they can play indoors or outside.’

• Picture: Rouge Bouillon pupils get golf instruction from Wayne Osmand, head professional at Les Mielles GC Picture by Rob Currie (00614121)