Media Release: Thursday 18th September, 2014
Golf sets youngsters on the right path
Twenty-one year old PGA Golf Apprentice, Jonathan Ratcliffe believes schools should encourage more students to take up
golf.
“Golf is a sport that largely goes unrecognised in schools across New Zealand, yet in my opinion has the most to offer,”
says Ratcliffe.
Having played the sport since the age of twelve, Ratcliffe is now completing his PGA golf apprenticeship in the hope
that he can help other youngsters into the sport.
“Kids are fast learners but as we all know they have very little patience.”
“Golf teaches them etiquette, perseverance and endurance; attributes that are often hard taught on the rugby field or
netball court.”
Ratcliffe admits that at twelve years old he was into skateboards and game consoles as it seemed to be the norm for kids
his age.
It wasn’t until a day on the golf-course with his dad, that he found a new passion.
“If it wasn’t for my dad, I’d have probably never taken it up as a sport because it wasn’t really an option at school.”
For the next eight-years, Ratcliffe was able to travel and play golf around New Zealand, tour Australia and America, all
before he turned 20.
“Golf has opened so many doors for me and I can only hope that more parents and schools support the sport and its
continued growth in New Zealand.”
Jonathan is running discounted introductory workshops for kids wanting to get into golf.
The clinics will be run from Takapuna Golf Warehouse.