Golf made a big impression at Sacred Heart Central School in Cootamundra yesterday as 80 students swapped their usual sports routine for the chance to tee off with Lunchtime Launch It.
Delivered by Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), the program transformed a school classroom into a golf zone complete with an indoor simulator and big screen. The aim was to give students a fun, accessible first taste of golf while creating clear pathways to Cootamundra Golf Club for those eager to keep playing.
For many, it was their first time picking up a club, and the results surprised even the students themselves.
“I didn’t think golf was for me, but it was actually really cool,” one Year 6 student said.
“I liked hitting the ball and trying to hit it longer than my friends. I want to go to the golf club now!”
The format proved a winner with teachers as well.
“It was fantastic to see students trying something new with such enthusiasm,” a teacher said.
“Golf isn’t usually on their radar, but this session made it feel approachable and fun.”
Primary Sports Coordinator Wendy Van Kerk Oerle, who helped bring the program to the school, praised the impact it had on the community.
“The lunchtime launch was received extremely well,” she said.
“Both teachers and students at the end said how great it was and better than they were expecting. Our school community were also singing its praises when we posted about it on our social media. The best part was seeing students who have never hit a golf ball before give it a go and be surprised at how well they went.”
The two-session program gave every student the chance to hit three balls into the net, sparking plenty of friendly competition.
Olivia, a Year 6 student, enjoyed “seeing how far I can hit the ball,” while Tom, also in Year 6, was keen to give golf a go after managing an 85.2-metre drive. Lexi, in Year 5, described it as “fun to see how far I could hit the ball,” and Chase, also Year 5, loved trying virtual golf for the first time.
Golf NSW Regional Managers Casey Thompson and Cade Webb ran the 90-minute event, keeping activities fast-paced and engaging while still offering one-on-one guidance. With 58 boys, 27 girls, and two teachers all taking part, the session created a lively, inclusive atmosphere that broke down the perception of golf as difficult or exclusive.
The shorter sports-time format proved just as effective as full-day sessions, showing that golf can slot seamlessly into a school program and still leave a lasting impression.
Sacred Heart has already expressed interest in hosting Lunchtime Launch It again in 2026, and with so much enthusiasm on display, there’s little doubt more Cootamundra students will soon be heading to the fairways.
