Dubai: HSBC has enlisted the support of golfers Rickie Fowler, Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke to back its ‘HSBC Hour’ initiative.
Following a successful pilot in the UK last year, ‘HSBC Hour’ will go global this year offering a free hour of golf to children and their families at golf clubs all over the world, including the UAE.
The concept will also be expanded this year to run an hour for each day of The Open from July 14-17 as part of HSBC’s ‘Anyone’s Game’ campaign.
Yas Links in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Els Club will take part locally with a free hour of coaching available from 6pm-7pm at Yas and 3pm-4pm at the Els.
World No. 7 Fowler said: “When I was little my Dad used to provide sand from his business to the local driving range so I could practise for free — I was also very lucky to have been taught by Barry McDonnell in my early years. Those memories and the friendships you form through golf always stay with you; without those first steps the rest simply can’t happen. Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you need to start somewhere.”
Clarke, the European Ryder Cup Captain, added: “I was lucky to grow up in a family where we all played golf and appreciate what the game gave us in enjoyment, competition and life in general. We have to try to get the young kids out there as they are the sport’s future”.
Harrington, a double Open champion, agreed: “It’s very important for the future of golf to get kids involved, but it’s also good for them in many ways. When young people play the game there are so many things they learn that are useful and prepare them for everyday life. For example, the game is self-governing, requiring the learning of and playing by the rules. There are the joys playing the game, there are highs and lows, and there are so many of life’s emotions that you have to learn to deal with, so it’s great for young people to play the game. It’s also essential for golf to have a younger generation participating, bringing new life to the game.”
