St Andrews follows in footsteps of Bayern Munich

ST ANDREWS LINKS has set up a ‘golf camp’ that is based on the work Bayern Munich carry out with young footballers.

The camp, which is designed to improve golfers’ performances, has even secured sponsorship from Allianz – the company which Bayern Munich’s home ground is named after.

The mentoring scheme involves 15 pairs of one young novice and one adult mentor, all professional coaches from St Andrews Links Golf Academy, who spend five days at the ‘Home of Golf’ and receive additional training from 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and LPGA Tour star Beatriz Recari.

“Allianz is a passionate supporter of golf as a way of sharing quality time with friends and family, recognising that in a fast-paced world, golf can help people stay healthy while also providing many added social benefits,” said a company spokesman.

“The golf camp is modelled on a successful football programme utilised in partnership between Allianz and European champions Bayern Munich FC.”

McGinley said: “I first became interested in golf thanks to my dad and we both in turn pass on what we know to my children, making golf a real family affair for the McGinleys. So I know first-hand just what a powerful thing mentoring can be in opening golf up to a new generation of player.”

Recari said: “Golf is a great sport because it is one of the few that has no boundaries – it doesn’t matter if you are male or female, young or old, expert or amateur, there is something for everyone,” said Beatriz Recari.