Even if I consider myself as a beginning golfplayer, I have experienced exciting moments such as winning a club competition in the Senior category, or accomplishing a hole-in-hole in front of flabbergasted friends. And since I don't believe in miracles, I assumed I was responsible for this stunning feat.

But this is nothing compared to what I feel when arriving in a golf club, I see children playing golf: you can tell they are full of energy and happiness. A contagious joy ! And also, when getting ready for a competion, a very young boy shows up as my partner... As an old sportsman, I do not only appreciate sportive- or technical know-how, but I am also aware of attitudes which show respect for rules and courtesy for older partners.

It is crucial to invest in childhood.! I have always stressed this statement when children are in danger, sometimes in extreme circumstances when the authorities are taken by other priorities. Today I am still convinced, and when I come accross children in golfplaying it is obvious that - along with the loving care from their parents - teaching respect for others and rules in a community is the best education.

Like other respectable sports, golf is a wonderful educational tool. Therefore, I engaged myself in the Junior Golf Foundation. In the interest of children, golf should be introduced in schools and schools should be open to golf. Golf has to become a more democratic sport in order to be available to a larger number of children.

Why wouldn't we succeed in doing what was achieved in Sweden ? With a population comparable to ours, Sweden can boast about 600.000 members and approximately one million players. In Belgium we are close to 55.000 members, but how many children among them ?

I believe in it very strongly and share this conviction with those who are involved with the Junior Golf Foundation Belgium and with all those who apply the same values in golf federations and with the professionals of this exceptional sport which should be open to everybody.

School program

The JGFB present at the primary schools of Genappe. More...

The CUFOCEP swings on the rhythm of the Junior Golf Foundation. More...

Club Championship Juniors.
What about the juniors? More...

» Junior Golf Foundation Belgium present at Rétho Trophée 2006. More...