The newly-formed Yorkshire County Golf Partnership has appointed Tom Freeland to spearhead the drive to grow the sport across the county.
Tom (pictured) is the first county development officer and will be working with golf clubs and facilities across Yorkshire to help more people take up the sport and move on into golf club membership.
The 34 year old, who lives in Cleckheaton, will work alongside England Golf Senior Regional Manager Richard Brown in developing and delivering initiatives and programmes to enable people of all ages and abilities to take up and play golf regularly.
These will include supporting the national Get into golf campaign and helping clubs achieve GolfMark, which opens doors by encouraging a more inclusive and friendly approach towards newcomers and juniors who wish to join a club.
Tom brings an extensive background in sports coaching and business development to his new role, having coached six national swimmers and worked to encourage more people to take up swimming.
He says: “I am delighted to be in a position where I can inspire people to play the game of golf. It is a great way of meeting new people and getting regular exercise in beautiful surroundings, as well as giving families the opportunity to spend time with each other in a fun and enjoyable way.
“I learnt to play golf when I was seven when my dad let me have a go of a golf club at the driving range and I become hooked and pleaded for lessons! I believe golf is a sport that helps develop excellent life skills. It can also be played and enjoyed for life.”
Tom is keen to engage with clubs and facilities across Yorkshire and can be contacted on 07717 228 807.
The formation of the Yorkshire County Golf Partnership has brought together the expertise and skills of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs, the Yorkshire Ladies County Golf Association and the Yorkshire PGA, which strengthens and builds on initiatives already in place.
The Yorkshire CGP will support clubs in opening up new ways of bringing people into the sport, helping would-be players develop the skills to enjoy their time on the course, and showing the benefits of becoming a club member.
Yorkshire has joined a national network of county golf partnerships, which are able to share best practice and funding through its national partners, making it easier than ever to give golf a go.
The aims of the Yorkshire CGP will be to promote the game in the region, introduce more people to golf regardless of age, gender and background and to increase the number of members at affiliated clubs.
Clubs across Yorkshire will benefit from the additional support as they seek to retain and recruit members as well as increasing regular participation.
England Golf www.englandgolf.org/
Yorkshire Union of Golf Club www.yorkshireunionofgolf.co.uk