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KnowledgePool takes up golf
16 August 2002
e-Learning programme for golf caddies
KnowledgePool has been commissioned by Elmwood College, the Scottish-based centre of excellence in golf related studies based in Fife, to design and develop an e-Learning programme for golf caddies. Funded by a grant from Scottish Enterprise, the e-Learning programme will be based on Caddie Connect, a ground-breaking training scheme launched in 2001 providing potential caddies with the opportunity to attain a professional caddying qualification for the first time.
Developed by Rick Mackenzie, the caddie manager at St Andrews Links Trust and Elmwood College, Caddie Connect is a one week residential course that covers golf history, the rules of the game and customer service as well as practical experience of caddying. On successful completion of each section, students reach the St Andrews Standard, gaining a certificate of competence recognised by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA).
"A good caddie can make a tremendous difference both to a golfer's scorecard and to their enjoyment of the round. The caddie needs to be able to quickly establish a rapport with their golfer, gain their trust, and be very clear about their role and duties during the round," explained Mr Mackenzie, who spent many years as a professional caddie on the European tour before joining the St Andrews Links Trust, which is responsible for the largest golf complex in Europe.
The e-Learning version of Caddie Connect will comprise 4 outcomes leading to the SQA module. The outcomes cover topics such as the rules of golf; the responsibilities of the caddie and the selection of appropriate golf clubs in a variety of situations and the essential skills of communication and time management are also included in the programme.
"The growth and popularity of golf throughout the world has increased the need for formally trained caddies who can provide the required high level of service to golfers, both professional and amateur," said Niall Flanagan, Golf Service Manager of St Andrews Links Trust. Over sixty of our caddies have completed Caddie Connect and the feedback from our customers is extremely positive. We are keen to promote this 'best practice' throughout the golfing resort industry. e-Learning will revolutionise the way caddies learn their craft and give more people the opportunity to attain a caddying qualification as well as improving the standards of caddying worldwide."
Carol Borthwick, Director, Golf and Leisure Studies at Elmwood College said; "By using this innovative e-Learning programme, the course will be made readily accessible from anywhere in the world. I'd like to see a lot more of our clubs in Scotland offer a caddie service – which will also have a beneficial effect on the tourist industry here. KnowledgePool were chosen as our partner in this venture as it has established a solid track record in the design of e-Learning programmes for a wide variety of market sectors and clearly demonstrated its capability in this field."
Paul Butler, CEO of KnowledgePool, comments, "I congratulate Elmwood College on its vision and am delighted that we are working with them on this exciting project to improve service levels in the world of golf."
