Culcairn Public School students swapped textbooks for golf clubs last week, with more than 120 children taking part in a special Lunchtime Launch It (LTLI) event designed to spark their interest in the sport.
Held last Tuesday, the event followed on from the school’s Term 2 Sporting Schools golf program, giving students the chance to put their new skills into practice while connecting them with their local club, Culcairn Golf Club.
Across three sessions for Stage 2 and Stage 3 students, plus open lunchtime and recess activities, 122 students and seven teachers each had three attempts on the indoor golf simulator. Distances were tracked for every shot, with plenty of friendly competition among classmates.
Principal Craig Alibon said the event was a perfect follow-up to the Sporting Schools program and revealed just how popular golf has become at Culcairn.
“We’ve just completed the Sporting Schools golf program, so this was a fantastic next step,” Mr Alibon said.
“A number of our students are really keen on golf right now, and we’ve even started running lunchtime interest groups and golf sessions during our activities afternoons. The kids and staff loved the Lunchtime Launch It, and we’d absolutely welcome it back next year.”
For many students, the chance to see how far they could hit the ball proved to be the highlight of the day.
Year 5 student Hudson impressed with a drive of 91.9 metres, later admitting he already plays golf casually at Culcairn Golf Club.
“I liked seeing how far I could hit it,” he said.
Year 6 student Jacob agreed, recording a personal best of 84.8 metres.
“It was fun seeing how far I can hit the ball,” he said.
For others, the event was an exciting introduction to golf.
“I haven’t played much golf before, but I liked having fun and getting better scores,” said Year 3 student Rhianna, who reached 37.3 metres.
Year 6 student Stella, who struck a drive of 82.2 metres, said her favourite part was “Competing against my friends and having fun hitting golf balls.”
The event was delivered in partnership with Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), who run the LTLI program to encourage participation in schools and strengthen ties with community golf clubs.
With students already asking when golf will return, Culcairn Public School is hoping to run another Sporting Schools golf program in 2026 and take students onto the course at Culcairn Golf Club for further activities.
