Dunlop’s sponsorship of the Starter Centre Network, coupled with a successful Sportsmatch application, has enabled the Golf Foundation to reach the significant landmark of 375 Dunlop Starter Centres across the British Isles, with 20 new Starter Centres being identified this month following Dunlop and Sportsmatch’s investment.
Through the Dunlop Starter Centre Initiative, the Golf Foundation has established a network of approved junior friendly facilities, which provide coaching opportunities for beginners and currently involves around 20,000 youngsters in Starter Centre activities each year. Dunlop Starter Centres enable young people to try the game in a welcoming environment at little or no cost and ensure that beginners receive expert tuition on the basic skills and swing technique.
“To see the number of Starter Centres increasing illustrates Dunlop’s firm commitment to the development of golf at grass roots level,” said Steve Yates, marketing controller for Dunlop Golf. “Dunlop Starter Centres help to attract youngsters to the sport and we will continue to work with the Golf Foundation in encouraging children at this level.”
Each Dunlop Starter Centre receives funding from the Golf Foundation which is equal to 25 hours PGA coaching per year, it also allows access to the Golf Foundation’s newly launched Junior Golf Passport – a structured learning programme for youngsters.
Stuart Armstrong, development manager for the Golf Foundation said, “It’s a fantastic achievement to reach the 375 mark, both for the Golf Foundation and the centres themselves. Establishing new centres enables golf to be taught in areas where it has not previously been available to young people. As a key component in the England Junior Golf Partnership, the Golf Foundation’s ‘Dunlop Starter Centre Network’ is the cornerstone of the drive to ‘grow the game’ by making the sport more accessible to young people regardless of their social status or economic background.”
The Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org
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