Since the GolfMark Award was relaunched in March 2006 to integrate with Sport England’s Clubmark, the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Ladies’ Golf Association (ELGA) have been delighted with the scheme’s progression. And so it seems are golf clubs.
To date 54 golf clubs have achieved the prestigious Award, with a further 343 working towards the accreditation that recognises them as being junior and beginner friendly.
Clubs working towards GolfMark can access an interactive online system detailing case studies, the rewards of achieving accreditation and will receive guidance and assistance from the team of Regional Development Officers. In addition from 2008 GolfMark clubs will obtain a further benefit of being able to access additional grant aid for junior and/or beginners coaching.
The EGU and ELGA have also introduced GolfMark Prize Draws for all clubs awarded and working towards accreditation. Mullion Golf Club in Cornwall was the first winner of the quarterly draw and received 15 golf bags for their junior section.
Many clubs achieving GolfMark are keen to comment on the initiative and how the Award has benefited them:
The Craythorne G&CC, Staffordshire
“Since the Award, we have received excellent publicity in both the local press and also the golf press. In addition we have forged links with numerous local schools, where coaching sessions will be held.”
Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Hertfordshire
“The GolfMark Award is an assurance for parents that the club provides their children with first-class training facilities, the very best coaching at all levels and the provision of a safe and organised environment for children to learn and play golf.”
Cumberwell Park, Wiltshire
“When Cumberwell Park embarked upon the GolfMark assessment process, it gave the club the opportunity to review and improve its existing practices and procedures.”
Further case studies and details of all GolfMark clubs along with the benefits of receiving the GolfMark Award can be found at www.golfmark.org
GolfMark is an initiative jointly provided by the EGU and ELGA via England Golf’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and is an integral part of England Golf’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’.
English Golf Union www.englishgolfunion.org
English Ladies‘ Golf Association www.englishladiesgolf.org