Poulter backs UAE proposal to build golf into schools curriculum

"I fully endorse the plans. Golf is a game you play for life, in almost every country, and provides health and social benefits from school to grave, "said Poulter. "We do it in England and with the extraordinary golf courses here in the Emirates and the year round climate, why not here? It proved an extraordinary opportunity for me when I was growing up and as far as I am concerned, the more kids playing golf, the better off the game will be."

Poulter took time out after completing the first round of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to take 25 students from The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi through the basics of the game. Known for his eye- catching fashion sense on the course, he proved a hit with the youngsters, giving each one his attention whether they slashed the ball or hit it 100 yards.

"I love doing this," added Poulter, "it's all about the kids futures, and occasions like this are where you inspire the champions of the future."

The golfing clinic for the Choueifat students was organised by Standard Chartered Bank, one of the UAE's leading international banks and platinum sponsor of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

"This is part of what the Bank's corporate social responsibility is all about," said Jeremy Parrish, Standard Chartered's newly appointed CEO for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, "where we give something valuable and unique back to the community we operate in."

It's the first time The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi has sampled golf for their curriculum. "We appreciate the opportunity Standard Chartered has given our students," said John Ormerod, School Director. "At the end of the day, they've had the experience of meeting and working with one of the world's top golfers. The rapport he showed in understanding the young students was an excellent advertisement for the game."

Every one of the students who participated said they would play golf, if it was added to the school sports curriculum. "Whenever I saw golf on TV I would always change the channel because I thought it was boring and simple," said 17 year old Tunisian student Ouien Chettaoui. "Today changed my mind and showed me its more than just stick and ball. Ian showed us there is actually a lot of physics involved."

"I was afraid I would hit my neck with the club," 12 year old Yasmin Rabida countered as her Italian/British parents looked on. "After Ian showed me how to swing, I can't wait to try it again."

There were shrieks of delight, cries of joy, and laughs a plenty as Poulter nurtured each of them through the different basics of the game. His question, "Will you all come back and play again?", was met with a resounding, "Yes"!

For Standard Chartered, it was an opportunity to further their commitment to the booming Abu Dhabi market, following the recent appointment of the dedicated CEO. "We support the successful Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, and saw Abu Dhabi's biggest sporting event as a perfect match for Standard Chartered," said new CEO Parrish. "We used our sponsorship creatively and responsibly by adding both the school clinic and the Standard Chartered Golf Zone so the visiting public can take more from this exciting event." The Standard Chartered Golf Zone allows visitors to spend ten minutes with a golf pro in a specially constructed set of nets.

For 13 year old Navodya Balasuriya from Sri Lanka, it was the beginning of a dream. "I play every sport at Choueifat, but I can really see myself playing the pro circuit when I am older. Ian taught me how to hit the ball on my first day."

"She's a natural," added Poulter.

For classmate Robin Bucher from Switzerland, who has played before and has his own clubs, the motivation was different. "I just wanted to see the pros. I like the game and can't wait for the school to let me play some more."

For Choueifat School Director Ormerod, who has 3,500 students enrolled in Abu Dhabi, any sport promoted in schools is a bonus. "It's a step forward helping young people manage their leisure time," he said. "Today was a great motivating factor in getting the students to pick up a golf club."

Grade 12 student, Aaravind Gopinath, noted, "Golf pros get paid a lot, and today I found out why."