From discovering a sport that suits him to building confidence, skills and a new social outlet, 12-year-old Ollie is finding plenty to love about golf, with X-Golf Preston leading the way in making the game accessible, and engaging for a new generation.
Ollie’s dad and fellow X-Golfer Matt Birthisel says golf is proving to be more than just a game for his son, it’s a way to get off the iPad, try something new and enjoy sport on his own terms.
Now, with 18 months of golfing experience up his sleeve, Ollie and Matt can be found on the sims at X-Golf Preston at least weekly, where the combination of technology, food and a more relaxed approach to golf has helped build the year 7 student’s confidence and enthusiasm for the sport.
“He loves sport, but some of the more aggressive sports aren’t for him,” Matt said.
“Ollie is the sportiest member of our seven-person household, with AFL, cricket and little athletics all part of his busy schedule.”
“Golf has been a great addition because it gives him another sport to enjoy while challenging himself in a completely different way. Plus, it’s gret to spend some one-on-one time together doing something we both enjoy,” he said.
While Matt has played golf casually for years, it was his own desire to stay active that saw him get back into the game. After introducing Ollie to lessons with X-Golf Preston coach Peter Lamaris, the pair dedicate time to a minimum of one session each week, with Ollie showing an interest in competing in upcoming tournaments.
“He definitely enjoys going – the technology is a big part of the appeal for him,” Matt said.
“The simulators are gamified, in a way, so he really gets into tracking his shots and seeing how far and how fast he has hit the ball.”
Possibly one of the biggest wins about Ollie’s involvement at X-Golf for Matt, however, has little to do with scores.
“What I enjoy most is getting him off the iPad and exposing him to things he genuinely enjoys,” Matt said.
“He’s always asking to come in and he’s started asking to bring his friends, too. We brought five of them in for his birthday recently, which was lots of fun for them and a great social activity.”
With Ollie keen to test himself and continuing to build his skills, Matt says X-Golf has given his son another sport to enjoy, a place to spend time with friends and even more of a reason to get off the screens, making it a natural choice for the school holidays.
Kids play free at X-Golf
Families can make the most of X-Golf’s school holiday offer this spring, with kids playing free when accompanied by at least one paying adult. The offer is available from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during each state’s school holiday period.
Book online using code XGKIDSFREE, with groups capped at six people.
The existing $99 School Holiday Bundle will also remain available.
QLD and NT: 21 September to 5 October
VIC: 21 September to 2 October
NSW, SA and WA: 28 September 28 to 9 October
TAS: 5 to 16 October
Bring your adult for free at Hey Caddy
X-Golf Preston’s Hey Caddy venue and Hey Caddy’s nation-wide are also getting into the school holiday spirit, with one accompanying adult able to play free for every full-price child round booked.
The offer runs from opening until 4pm, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays.
Book using code KIDSSHOUT26. A maximum of two adults can be included per booking, with groups capped at six. The offer cannot be combined with bundles or other promotions.
QLD and NT: 21 September 21 to 5 October
VIC: 21 September 21 to 2 October
NSW, SA and WA: 28 September to 9 October
