The Next Generation

We can always look to the past for inspiration, experience and facts. We are told to live in The Now for fear of what tomorrow may bring, but all of this can only be used to build a brighter future. What is the most important shot in golf? The next one! What is the most important aspect of a golf club’s membership? A healthy future! At Westmanstown we work hard to build the next layer of membership, at the heart of which is our Junior Academy.

There is no greater example of the success of this devotion to our Juniors & Juveniles, than the shining light that is Jack Doherty. Jack is fourteen years old, he has a handicap of 3, he has been playing the game for a little over four years, all of which he has been a member here at Westmanstown. Jack has also been a member of The Irish Under 14 International panel for almost a year, and in August of this year, he will earn his first international cap.

This all represents a staggering rate of progress, especially given that neither of Jack’s parents play golf, indeed his grandfather Jim, also a member here, was Jack’s inspiration. It is Jack’s ambition to play off scratch as an amateur before eventually becoming a tournament professional. I know you will join me in congratulating Jack on his achievements in the game to date, which include winning The Leinster Under 13 Championships at Royal Tara Golf Club last June. Jack will tee it up in Ireland’s colours on August 5th at The Enville Golf Club, Staffordshire, England. He will play with 900 pairs of Westmanstown hands at his back. RISK EVERYTHING JACK, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US.

As a golfer, we are often so frustrated by the game, we lose sight of why we love it so much. As with most things in this life, when viewed through the simple eyes of a child, all becomes clear, and this case is no different.

We recently wrote about the wonderful achievement of Jack Doherty in representing his country at the tender age of 14. Jack lives for golf, and now he returns from a great finish of 29th place in his maiden international tournament. But when I asked Jack to jot down a few points for me about how his trip went, one stood out in particular.

It wasn’t the fact that he shot 75 in the final round, or that he beat an Olympic Champion in a putting competition, or even the pride he felt whilst representing his country. No, Jack said the thing that will live the longest with him was the look on the gallery’s faces when he pitched in on the 18th.

You see, it’s not all about the number you shoot, or the goals you set yourself,no, it’s all about how this game makes us feel. We should never forget the joy the game of golf brings us, and in turn, the joy we can bring others. That’s the message I received loud and clear from a 14 year old boy with the world of golf at his feet, he really does have a good grasp on things, have you?