Cheshire golf clubs are raising their game in the drive to attract new players and potential members.
The County’s clubs and driving ranges are backing a national campaign launched by England Golf, which has put in place a wide-ranging strategic plan which runs until 2017.
‘Raising our Game’ includes supporting clubs as they seek to introduce newcomers to the sport through coaching for beginners and providing a positive pathway into club membership.
The work going on in Cheshire sees the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs and the Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association working closely with the area’s PGA professionals and England Golf’s county development officers.
The formation of the new Cheshire Golf Development Group will now focus attention on attracting people to the sport and providing the right support for clubs.
The steering group for the new CGDG is made up of three representatives from each of the organisations.
Chair is David Durling, of Shrigley Hall Golf Club, Macclesfield, who says: “This is an exciting time for golf in Cheshire. The three organisations have united to spearhead the move to attract more people into golf, with a view to increasing golf club membership.”
Supporting the group’s efforts will be two full-time county development officers, a significant increase in resource available to Cheshire clubs and golf facilities.
Iain Lancaster, North West Regional Manager for England Golf, says: “We are currently recruiting for two full-time officers to start work in September.
“The additional capacity will enable us to support more clubs across Cheshire, driving the More Players, More Members and Stronger Club elements of the Strategic Plan.
“The Golf Development Group will also begin to create a County Plan for Golf, which will serve to benefit the sport across the area.
“This is an exciting development and will see the new group build on the foundations laid down by the County Golf Partnership to make it even easier for people to give golf a go in Cheshire and to enjoy the many health and social benefits the sport can bring, particularly as a member of a club.”
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