Australian Nick Bielawski is on a special mission to grow the game of golf in Fiji.

A PGA Professional and Coaching Programs Manager for the PGA of Australia, Bielawski is the man charged with introducing golf to kids in Fiji.

This week he has arrived in Fiji to work with teachers around the country on how best to coach golf in schools.

“I am going to Nadi and Suva to do teacher trainings, so five to six schools are each providing two school teachers and the entire day we are going to be going through how to run golf classes in their school,” said Bielawski who is passionate about the development of golf at a junior level.

“By the time the day is finished the teachers will be able to do run golf programs inside their school, whether it’s a one day program or it’s something that goes for five to 10 weeks. They will know how to do chipping, putting and full swing and play little games and activities with the students.”

Bielawski conducted a similar visit last year and has used that experience to further improve the education he is providing to the Teachers.

“Last year when I was in Fiji, I predominantly travelled around the country visiting different schools so I was able to see what their facilities are like,” added Bielawski.

“The benefit this time is that I have a better understanding of what their students are like in their coordination and skills, what they will find fun and what their facilities are like. So now I can show the teachers how they can best instruct the kids and best run a program given their facilities, which are all different.”

“In Australia we have the benefit of lots of golf courses and sports ovals, in Fiji some schools are only small and might only have half a soccer pitch or something so being able to tailor the program to work in all conditions, even inside in a class room is the biggest benefit this year.”

But aside from just gaining knowledge Fijian teachers will now have access to junior golf equipment to deliver golf classes to their students.

However possibly the biggest benefit for Fijian kids is that they now have access to the MyGolf Junior Program which runs throughout Australia.

“We are looking to use the MyGolf philosophy and concept in Fiji, obviously there will be some cultural differences but we have tailored the program to suit kids in Fiji,” added Bielawski.

“MyGolf is largely based on participation and having fun, introducing juniors to the game so they are having as much fun as they can so that hopefully golf will be one of the sports that they play.”

Whilst in Fiji, Bielawski will also be providing training to Fijian PGA Professionals which is a huge boost to the game in Fiji.

“I am also doing some training with the Fijian PGA so we should have about 15 Fijian PGA Members thatwill be trained in junior coaching principles and general coaching techniques around ball flight laws and drills and teaching aids,” added Bielawski.

“The idea is that Fijian Pros will be better equipped to support the club that they are involved with to coach the members and juniors.”

“But they will also be able to go into the schools around their city and help promote golf and work in cooperation with the teachers that I have trained.”

With the Fiji International fast approaching now is the best time to get kids interested in golf, who knows the next Vijay Singh might even be uncovered.

“Junior golf is the building block of the game. If someone hasn’t been exposed to golf and they are above the age of 25 it’s unlikely that they will take the game up due to life commitments,” added Bielawski.

“But if we introduce golf to them at an early age then they are able to play that sport instead of or in addition to rugby and soccer. If we expose kids to golf at an early age then they will be golfers for life.”

Through the Fiji International the PGA of Australia is aiming to leave a lasting legacy of golf in the country.

The aims is to see more people playing and enjoying golf year round, Nick Bielawski’s training is just one strategy to ensuring this objective is met.

“By bringing a world class golf tournament to Fiji we are providing Fijians access to a game they wouldn’t usually have,” said Stephen Ayles, Chief Commercial Officer for the PGA of Australia.

“Through the tournament we are developing this junior golf program where local school teachers and coaches will be trained on how to deliver golf programs.”

“We are aiming to leave a sustainable legacy which will see golf played year round in Fiji, not just during tournament week.”

via Growing golf in Fiji through schools – PGA.