Golf was the hottest ticket in Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories this month, with hundreds of children and adults introduced to the game.
Thanks to support from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, GolfWA’s Ned Haywood was able to spend 10 productive days delivering golf programs on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
The Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) are located more than 2,500km northwest of Perth and are renowned for their tropical environments, crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife.
There was very little time for sightseeing for Haywood, though, as he focused on delivering MyGolf and Get Into Golf clinics to more than 400 people on his epic trip — a figure representing around 20% of the IOT’s combined population.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands were the first port of call on Haywood’s 7,000km round-trip, where 140 children aged between 5 and 16 were introduced to the basics of golf at Cocos Islands District High School campuses on both Home Island and West Island.
An additional 50 children and adults joined in two free community clinics held after-hours on the school ovals, which proved to be a smash hit with the locals.
“It was fantastic, and the kids had such a great time,” said Taleah McCagh, physical education teacher at Cocos Islands District High School. “I’m already looking forward to having golf run again whenever the next opportunity arises.”
Next up was more of the same on Christmas Island, where Haywood delivered multiple MyGolf in Schools sessions to 180 schoolchildren from Year 4 through to Year 12 at Christmas Island District High School.
Extra clinics were also staged at Christmas Island Golf Club, with almost 60 children and adults signing up.
Ned Haywood with students from Cocos Islands District High School
Despite the whirlwind nature of the trip, Haywood said his IOT experience was entirely positive — and one that could have a tangible impact on golf participation rates on the islands.
“We received a lot of appreciative responses to coaching, with several adult participants even indicating they’re now planning to purchase clubs of their own and get into golf more seriously. That’s exactly what we hope to achieve with this trip,” he said.
“Both the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island have golf clubs and are idyllic environments for golfing, with year-round play a possibility and a real sense of community within the golf club memberships.”
Haywood was also struck by the warm welcome he received at every stage of his IOT adventure, something he says will live long in the memory.
“I love how the different cultures come together on the islands and the people are so friendly,” he added. “All the school students greet you by your first name, so I was known as ‘Mr Ned’ throughout the trip, which was lovely.
“My sincere thanks to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, to the Shires of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island and to the schools for assisting with this trip and creating such a beneficial experience for all involved.”
The services provided by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport in the Indian Ocean Territories are delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through Commonwealth funding support.
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