Five enthusiastic young golfers aged from nine to 11 are being given a wonderful introduction to the game by Barooga’s talented trainee professional Steffi Vogel, who has become their hero.
Cobram Barooga Golf Club professionals Michael McGregor and Steffi Vogel applied successfully in 2023 through the Australian Golf Foundation for funding to conduct a weekly Junior Girls Program at Barooga.
Junior golf has experienced a downturn over the years, and having a clinic especially for girls is hoped to attract more to give the game a try.
The funding provides each of the girls with a 23-week junior membership of the club, special golf shirts, a golf glove, a hat and tuition by Steffi.
The girls' clinic began early this year with Mike McGregor, and Steffi took over in May when she returned after playing a series of tournaments.
“It is wonderful to have a clinic just for girls, and they are coming along very well,” Steffi said.
“Only one has played before, but they are all now at the point where I can take them out on the course to play a few holes.
“They are putting the skills they have learnt into practice and seem to be enjoying it. However, the hardest thing for them is patience.”
A comment received from one of the girls was that it was too easy. This may be expressed less often as the young hopefuls move closer to learning the complexities of the game.
What they do know is Steffi has a willingness to help them in every way to learn the game and be the best they can be, just as she has since she began to learn the game at the age of 10 years.
Keep your eyes out for mention of the girls in years to come — Destiny Dempster, Jiyah Dawson, Kiara Wilson, Charlotte Bourke and Tahlia Dawson.