OVER 20 children attended a Coolamatong Golf Club clinic last week, made possible by Harro’s Snowsports at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort and the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation.

Harro's Snowsports raised over $ 2000 at a par-3 golf day in mid 2025. They donated the money to the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation, which offered Coolamatong Golf Club the chance to run the introductory kids' clinic.

“It was fantastic for our first event to have so many keen players, some of whom were good golfers and others just novices,” said Mitch Harrison on their charity raising event.

“All the players were very generous as well, and to raise over $2000 was very pleasing. If we can introduce new kids to the game of golf that may not otherwise have tried, that’s great.”

Scott Kneller said directing funds towards golf is a great fit for the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation, as golf is a lifelong sport and a family-oriented sport.

“I think it’s a fantastic initiative and very appreciative that Mitch reached out for the first annual Crackers Cup to raise money for the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation, and working collectively with everyone involved to pull together golf lessons for the local kids,” said Scott.

“To raise some funds for our local youth to play, that is a fantastic outcome. I think it is very fitting for the direction of the Foundation, and that is to reduce the financial hurdle of participation in sport.”

Junior golfers showing their style on the practice range. PHOTOS: Steve Cuff / Snowy Mountains Magazine

Conducted by lead coach Nigel Bolton and fellow golf club members Karen Caban and Josh Crawford, the kids were instructed in the basics of swinging the golf club on the driving range, as well as chipping and putting in the designated practice area.

"I thought the day went great considering the weather inconveniences we had. It was a mixed bag of abilities, but there was lots of enthusiasm and kids really prepared to give it a crack working on their chipping, putting and full swing on the driving range, they had a go at everything," said Nigel Bolton.

"It was awesome to see so many kids and parents who visited the club for the first time, to see how much life there is in the club these days. All our practice facilities were being used, and the colour and life out there on the day was unreal."

Watched on by several parents from the new Coolamatong deck, the day was a huge success. It was originally planned to be a two-day event, but wet weather forced the cancellation of day one.

“It was fantastic to see so many young children eager to experience golf,” said a Coolamatong Golf Club spokesperson.

“We were honoured to be able to host the school kids from Jindabyne and Berridale schools and thank Harro’s Snowsports and Scott Kneller for their generous support.”

“Such was the success, we plan to run another clinic in the future, most likely in the April school holidays.”

The basics of swinging, putting and chipping kept everyone entertained.

The kids were split into three groups, with Nigel Bolton showing the technique of swinging the club. It was amazing how some kids really had the technique and the desire to imitate Nigel’s swing.

Karen Caban offered tuition on putting, showing participants how to align putts and then practice holing them.

The chipping area was interesting, with Josh Crawford advising kids on longer and shorter chips through fun-oriented drills. There was still a tendency to hit the ball hard, and when Josh offered himself as a target, the aim certainly improved.

Coaches Nigel Bolton, Karen Caban and Josh Crawford during the day. Club vice president Roger White handed out club memberships to all participants.

Ten-year-old Alfie Andrich showed good form and was excited to be a part of the day. He said he learned how to hold the club and admitted to holing a few putts on the practice green.

“I haven’t had lessons before, I've just played with family,” said Alife.

“It was very good, I mainly liked driving as you got to smack the ball. I think I hit it around 120 metres.”

Alfie Andrich gets instruction from Nigel and shows his hitting style.

Overall, there was fun to be had by everyone, and at least one parent said they were keen to join as a member and support their child.

All the kids received a free membership valid until the end of the financial year, which allows them to play golf, including kids club hire at no charge.

There are bound to be a few aspiring golfers in the group, some of whom said they were already practising regularly.

Concentration was mixed with fun times learning new skills.