The Bermuda Golf Association has expressed its delight over the launch of the Operation 36 programme at Port Royal Golf Course.

The initiative is considered a “significant milestone” in the association’s endeavours to expand golf access across the island and follows the successful implementation of the BGA Junior programme at Ocean View and various Operation 36 programmes available at Turtle Hill Golf Club.

Port Royal is the third facility in Bermuda to implement the Operation 36 framework, which is designed to foster golfing skills in a structured environment for beginners. The course is set to begin on April 25 and will run for ten weeks.

The initial programme will involve boys and girls aged 7 to 13 who will be put through their paces by Port Royal’s teaching team, which is comprised of Bermuda Professional Golf Association vice-president and club assistant golf professional Steven Lambert Jr and fellow BPGA member and assistant golf professional Andrew Trott-Francis.

"We are thrilled to see the Port Royal team launch their Operation 36 programme. The BGA Operation 36 Pilot Programme has been a resounding success with over 100 children accessing the game of golf in the past 12 months,“ BGA president Craig Brown commented in a press release.

“The Operation 36 pilot programme has been well received in Bermuda. It has been made possible with funding support received from the Government of Bermuda and The Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

“The expansion of the programme is a testament to the hard work of BGA Golf Development Officer, Ebonie Cox, and all the teams at each facility involved."

Lambert and Trott-Francis are both are looking forward to playing their roles in the new initiative.

“Our team at Port Royal is excited to be a part of the BGA Pilot Programme and offer Operation 36 to all beginners and juniors,” Lambert said.

“We see this programme as a key part to providing access and growing the game for those who wish to learn golf in a fun, social environment."

Trott-Francis added: “I am extremely excited to introduce a prestigious programme such as Op36 to the golfing community at Port Royal. With dedication and determination, we'll stride towards excellence, one swing at a time.

“I invite anybody who is curious about golf to get involved with one of the Op36 at any of the hosting golf courses.”

Chairman of Government’s Board of Trustees of The Golf Courses and former top professional Kim Swan is equally as thrilled over the partnership between the teaching team Port Royal and the BGA.

“We are pleased that the teaching golf professionals at Port Royal are collaborating with the Bermuda Golf Association to support the Operation 36 Outreach Golf Programme,” he said.

“We’ve seen how this initiative grows the game, which provides a great opportunity in Bermuda among our diverse sports-loving communities.”