BBC staff at the Corporation’s MediaCityUK headquarters in Salford have been channelling their energies into a new sporting pursuit.
PGA professionals from Trafford Golf Centre delivered the free golf taster sessions under the umbrella of the Lancashire County Golf Partnership.
Organised by Lizzie Dignam, who runs the BBC Salford Club, and Bev Dodd, development officer for the Lancashire CGP, the sessions offered staff something different that they can enjoy with their friends and family.
Nationally the Get into golf campaign and BBC Sport’s Get Inspired programme have teamed up to encourage people to get active and find new activities in their local area.
The sessions covered the basics of the game in a relaxed and enjoyable environment and golfing equipment was provided.
Peter Styles, director of golf at Trafford Golf Centre, said: “The taster sessions were delivered to golfing beginners, but they really enjoyed the experience and a number of them are now looking to carry on learning a sport that offers both social and health benefits to all ages and abilities.
“The feedback we had was really positive with comments such as: “I love watching golf so I thought I would give it a go”; “The session was great fun. Definitely want to do it again”; “Great feeling when you hit a good shot. Just want to do it more now.”
After the taster sessions, follow-up coaching is available for the bargain price of just £25 for five lessons. The scheme is open to individuals, groups or businesses and is aimed at beginners or those returning to the sport.
Styles added: “Our aim at Trafford Golf Centre is to create as many golfers as we can and for more people to enjoy the sport. We start new Get into golf taster sessions and coaching courses every two weeks at Trafford Golf Centre, so it is easy to find a time and date to suit you.”
The centre, at Trafford Quays next to the Trafford Centre and the Chill Factore ski slope, has links with a number of clubs in the Manchester area – including Flixton, Northenden, Sale and Davyhulme Park – which provides a pathway into potential golf club membership for those attending the 57-bay driving range, which has five qualified teaching professionals.
Get into golf is working alongside Get Inspired to extend its reach to millions of BBC viewers, listeners and web users across the country. “We are delighted to work with Get Inspired. This will be a big boost to our campaign to encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to take up golf,” said Richard Flint, England Golf’s Participation & Club Support Director.
“With this increased awareness we are looking for more clubs to work with the Get into golf programme so that we can offer more opportunities across the country.”
Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults to take up the game and is run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, supported by Sport England and National Lottery funding.
Get into golf opportunities include FREE taster sessions and low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.
To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766
You can follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at facebook.com/Getintogolf
Trafford Golf Centre http://traffordgolfcentre.co.uk