Following the third and final round of applications to the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund seven new projects have been awarded a total of £300,000 to help them build and improve publicly accessible golf facilities throughout Wales.
Applications from Llanfwrog Community Association, Tenby Golf Club, Glynhir Golf Club, Betws y Coed Golf Club, Caernarfon Golf Club, Treborth Golf Complex and Torfaen County Borough Council for the Llanyravon Golf Course have all been agreed and are subject to obtaining planning permission and agreeing sustainable business plans.
The £2m Fund was provided by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of the successful bid to host The 38th Ryder Cup in 2010, is administered by the Sports Council for Wales and will support over 40 projects that will create over 200 new holes across Wales.
John Jermine, chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, said, “The Legacy Fund projects, from Anglesey to Cardiff and Powys to Pembrokeshire, will provide a lasting legacy for all golfers and those who are thinking of taking up the game.
“We were delighted with the quality of all the applications and every one of them will bring tremendous benefits to their local communities and, particularly, the youngsters just starting to play this wonderful game that can give a lifetime’s pleasure.”
The development of new par 3 courses designed specifically to make the game more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for juniors and those new to the game, and the opening of new practice facilities including driving ranges and putting and short game areas all featured in the final round submissions.
Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said, “I’m delighted that the benefits of Wales hosting The Ryder Cup in 2010 is spreading far and wide and that the Legacy Fund is helping to raise the quality of our golf clubs. I welcome the fact that some of this funding will be invested in encouraging more participation in the game, especially among our younger players.”
Eight new Legacy Fund projects are already open throughout Wales, 19 are under construction and a further 14, already approved, are finalising their detailed plans.
Ryder Cup Wales www.rydercupwales2010.com