The second season of the Underrated Golf Tour gets underway in Europe at Foxhills Golf Club from May 28-30 and there are still places available for the next Irish golfing talent to tee it up.
The Underrated Golf Tour has a commitment to provide equity, access and opportunity to children and student athletes who might not have the opportunity to play golf because of socio economic or diversity issues.
The tour was founded by NBA star Steph Curry while Sky Sports Golf presenter Henni Koyack has come on board as an ambassador.
Koyack’s aim is to elevate the profile of the tour and provide opportunities for aspiring golfers from all backgrounds to showcase their abilities on a global stage.
Children who are hoping to play on the tour must be available for Foxhills in two weeks, and Fairmont St Andrews later in the year while their hotel, expenses and food will all be covered for one player and one parent.
There is also no handicap limit so if you are a single figure handicap golfer but would love the chance to try and develop your game or a plus figure golfer unable to afford a collegiate scholarship, this could be the perforce opportunity for you to try and gain an education through golf.
The tour isn’t just about golf it is about developing children’s confidence in a social setting and enabling friendships that could last a lifetime as they aim to fulfil their potential.
At events, children can learn from panels in terms of finances, sports psychology or just speaking to other sportspeople.
The winners of each event get an all expenses paid trip to play in New York at the Curry Cup Grand Final where they will have the opportunity to meet Curry himself.
The tour has proven to be a massive success in recent years with 30 children coming through the tour and earning golf scholarships to high schools and colleges in the United States.
At Foxhills there will be a coach available on the driving range from both a technical and mentorship view and a partnership with Skillest for the children to be able to avail of online coaching.
“There’s a real family feel, there are players lounges for the kids to bond, everyone stays at the same hotel. That’s why we want children to become part of the tour and the family so they can grow in confidence as well,” said Koyack.
Koyack is tasked with identifying talent in the Great Britain and Ireland region and she hopes to bring an event to the K Club next year and branch out into mainland Europe as well.
“The idea is to branch out into mainland Europe but if we can hit on UK and Ireland to make sure the field is very well represented. I want to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity. We have made a couple of spots available to one boy and one girl from Ireland to come and play.
“I would love to be able to grow and have more representation from Ireland especially being at the K Club next year.”
Getting involved with the tour has proven to be a massively rewarding experience for Koyack who is passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity within golf.
“It’s massively rewarding and really cool to see some of the children still playing afterwards. To see them really shy and low on confidence at the start and then blossom by the end of it, it really is just so rewarding.
“Giving kids confidence just unlocks their world. It’s really cool to be a part of.”
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