3 Hammers Golf Complex in the West Midlands has become the first standalone golf centre to join England Golf’s affiliation programme.
Situated close to the M54 near Wolverhampton, 3 Hammers boasts an 18-hole short course, a 20-bay driving range and an academy staffed by six PGA professionals. The centre has introduced 20,000 adults to golf in the last four years alone, and successfully launched a women’s programme, Ladies Love Golf, and it’s working on a new programme for boys called ‘Lads, Lads, Lads’.
It has also introduced 4,000 young people to golf and created links with 13 golf clubs in Shropshire and Staffordshire, and in the New Year, the complex plans links with the Stroke Association, British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK to promote health benefits to their customers.
3 Hammers is first golf centre to join England Golf’s affiliation scheme since it was recently expanded to include short courses and ranges, as well as golf clubs. The move recognises that people play golf in different ways and at different venues and that all should be offered the same support.
Affiliation, which has been taken up by over 1,900 clubs, offers wide-ranging benefits, including the chance to make use of England Golf’s extensive business support and to achieve the new SafeGolf accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
Complex owner Ian Bonser (pictured) said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to affiliate. It means we can take advantage of all England Golf can offer to help us become even more successful in attracting new golfers and keeping them playing. 3 Hammers continues to go from strength to strength and with the additional backing of England Golf we’re looking forward to an exciting and prosperous 2019.”
Gareth Shaw, England Golf Regional Manager, added: “3 Hammers is a go-ahead golf centre and we’re delighted to welcome them to England Golf and to work even more closely with them to grow the game.”
To find out more about affiliation opportunities, email clubsupport@englandgolf.org