Blackley Golf Club in Lancashire, which is backing the drive to grow the game, has won a national award from England Golf.
The 18-hole course, which is just two minutes from junction 18 of the M60 in Manchester, has just received the GolfMark award.
GolfMark is an official seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game in four ways:
- By attracting new members and encouraging existing members to play more
- Using practical business planning to develop the club
- Offering coaching and playing opportunities for all golfers
- Ensuring safeguarding policies are in place
The club – which can be found in Victoria Avenue East – has taken a proactive approach to securing its future and introducing a new generation of players to the sport.
A spokesperson for the club explained: “The application process for GolfMark has been both interesting and enlightening with a positive outcome for the club.
“Over the past year we have moved the club forwards. We have been active in the community, visiting and supporting schools, and over the summer we introduced our junior ‘Tee Pegs’ programme, which has been a great success.
“We are working closely with England Golf and have attended the Business Growth Forum, Recruitment and Retention, Marketing and Funding workshops delivered in Lancashire. To appeal to the new, casual or modern golfer we now offer flexible ‘lifestyle memberships’.”
Debbie Barber, England Golf’s County Development Officer for the Lancashire Golf Development Group, said: “I’m delighted that Blackley Golf Club has achieved GolfMark as a fitting reward for the strides it has made in recent years in building a strong future and bringing more people into the game of golf.”
The GolfMark award was developed by England Golf and also integrates Sport England’s Clubmark award – a national standard for quality sports clubs recognised across the country.
GolfMark brings a number of benefits to clubs including raising awareness, access to funding, business and marketing support and training opportunities for staff and volunteers. To find out more visit www.golfmark.org
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