Brocket Hall Golf Club’s Palmerston Academy, in Hertfordshire, is planning a transformation this year as it seeks to become one of the leading junior academies in the country.
At the centre of the development is the introduction of the Golf Foundation’s Junior Golf Passport programme, a nationally recognised scheme endorsed by the PGA, which will be delivered in 10 weekly lessons – starting on Saturday, April 26.
In addition, juniors can attend one of the three-day camps being offered throughout the spring and summer school holidays as well as after-school taster sessions – all of which offer prizes and certificates to the new golfers. Furthermore the academy coaches will be introducing golf to five local schools, including 500 girls at the Princess Helena College this month (March).
The academy recently added to an already experienced team of golf professionals by welcoming two new members – both of whom have exceptional track records in developing junior golfers.
PGA professional Luke Willett has joined from Ealing Golf Club, where he was instrumental in increasing participation and improving his students’ golfing abilities. Willett developed his teaching expertise with personal guidance from some of the world’s leading golf instructors, including David Leadbetter and Dennis Pugh.
Also joining the academy is Robin Cheng – former junior academy manager at Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes. Cheng is a graduate of the prestigious BA Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham and helped establish a leading golf academy at his former club.
Simon Garner, the academy’s head professional, said: “Developing the junior game is an important part of our mission here at the PalmerstonGolfAcademy, and to reflect that we are introducing a variety of courses and taster sessions to help the grass roots of golf develop.
“To form the base of an exceptional academy we have established a highly knowledgeable and experienced team of coaching professionals all of whom are widely experienced in coaching juniors.”
Brocket Hall Golf Club enjoyed a memorable 2013 and is undertaking a £450,000 investment programme in its golf facilities to help maintain its position as one of the leading clubs in the country.
Brocket Hall has added more than 90 new members since the start of the year, and director of golf operations David Griffin believes the new investment will see the club’s popularity among members and prospective members continue to soar.
Situated within 543 acres of stunning 18th-century parkland, Brocket Hall boasts some of the finest golf facilities in England, with its two 18-hole championship courses named after the Prime Ministers who once resided there, Melbourne and Palmerston.
In addition, golfers can indulge in five-star dining at its award-winning restaurant, Auberge du Lac; enjoy a more laid-back meal in Watershyppes Restaurant or an overnight stay in the Melbourne Lodge.
Brocket Hall www.brocket-hall.co.uk