New clubs made me love golf even more
Noah Slatter, 12, from Brickhampton Court Golf Complex in Gloucestershire, was recently awarded a set of Ping Prodi-G golf clubs.
His previous second-hand US Kids Golf Tour Series clubs had made it hard for him to progress, but the new set has supercharged his game and helped him to reduce his handicap from 22 to 17 and win his Junior Championship.
He said: “I love my new clubs. They have really helped my game. From the moment I received the clubs they just felt great because they were the right fit for me. With the new clubs I can hit further and achieve more height.
“My progress and love of the game have grown. I am now down to a 17-handicap and have represented my county at under-14 level. I have been selected to play for the U14s again this year for my third season, which I love. I have also won a few competitions including my club’s Junior Championship in September.
“My favourite club has to be the hybrid which has been so consistent for me. Even when I knew I wasn’t hitting my perfect swing, I felt the clubs were very forgiving.
“Without the support from England Golf Trust, I wouldn’t have been able to use Ping clubs and would have been using clubs that were not fit for me – so I really am very grateful.”
Noah started playing golf at the age of four at the driving range with his dad, before then moving on to a 9-hole course. He was taught golf etiquette by his grandfather and considers it a key part of the game.
He added: “My grandpa taught me to take my hat off at the end of a round to shake hands and since then I have been keen to ensure I always play in the spirit of the game.
“In the summer I play two or three times a week, and in winter I play once or twice a week with friends, adults and on my own – whatever gets me on the course.”
His grandfather John, 86, is delighted at the award from the Trust. John added: “Noah is a very lucky boy to have received these clubs. They are very different to the ones I used when I was his age and we love to hear how he is getting on.”
Noah has now outgrown the Ping Prodi-G clubs and is handing them onto another worthy candidate at his club, 11-year-old Beckford, who is absolutely over the moon with them.
“Receiving these clubs has given Beckford a massive encouragement,” said dad Tim. “We are so very grateful to Noah and the Trust.”
Noah is now looking forward to playing with Titleist T150 irons and Ping G425 driver and fairway woods, we wish him happy and successful golfing.
