Excitement was building at St Patrick’s High School, Keady, as students stepped onto a new fairway of opportunity through an inspiring initiative called “The Road to The Open” – launched in conjunction with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
This golf programme with Golf Ireland provided taster lessons and fun activities for the new cohort of young golfers at the school.
The scheme, part of a wider push by The R&A to grow the game of golf at grassroots level across the UK and Ireland, is designed to introduce young people to the sport and the many career and lifestyle opportunities it offers—both on and off the course. Students also gain insight into the wide array of careers behind the scenes at major sporting events like The Open.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this,” said Mrs McKenna, Principal of St Patrick’s High School.
“Golf is not traditionally a sport that has been widely accessible in our area, but this initiative is opening doors for students—many of whom had never held a club before.” Mr McStay, who coordinates golf in St Patrick’s said that “this was a memorable day with magnificent trophies for a fantastic group of budding golfers.”
The R&A, one of golf’s oldest and most prestigious governing bodies, is keen to ensure the sport becomes more inclusive and reflective of wider society. “The Road to The Open” is about inspiring a new generation—not just of golfers, but of future leaders, volunteers, and innovators in the game.”
As July approaches, excitement grows among the students. Pupils of St Patrick’s will be given the chance to attend the Open where they will be given unique access to the Championship with a behind the scenes tour. They’ll witness the world’s top players compete at the highest level. What a wonderful opportunity.
There was an opportunity for the children, staff and invited guests to see and be photographed with golf’s iconic Claret Jug.
The Claret Jug was in good company as the Sam Maguire trophy sat alongside it, this is possible the first time both the trophies have been in the same room. A truly historic day for the school which has enjoyed lots of Sporting Success this year, including winning six Ulster Titles.
Principal Mrs McKenna and Mr McStay, SPHS Golf Coordinator
The pupils of the school also now have a fantastic target to aim for beyond Portrush. A Golf trip to Orlando has recently been approved by the Board of Governors. The race is on now for the pupils to get into Golf and hopefully Armagh Golf Club and Concra Wood will support the pupils in this venture.
“It’s not just about the golf,” Mrs McKenna added. “It’s about aspiration, confidence, and showing our students that they belong on any stage—whether it’s the classroom, the fairway, or the world.”
