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Boost for Darlington GC as it aims to help more people Get into Golf

By: Golf Shake | Mon 24 Nov 2014


A Durham golf club has landed a major investment to help grow the sport.

Darlington GC has been awarded a Sport England Inspired Facilities Grant of £57,000 which will allow them to deliver an all-weather practice and coaching area.

The club, which was founded in 1908 and can be found at Haughton Grange, can now press ahead with ambitious plans to create the perfect setting for golf to thrive in the area by providing opportunities for people of any age, gender or background to give the sport a try and develop their skills to any level.

The 18-hole course already enjoys a fine reputation as one that can be played by players of all abilities while the club has often been praised by visitors for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The new practice and coaching area will enhance the work that is already going on to encourage a new generation of players into golf.

The project will ensure all year round coaching is available in eight individual covered practice bays while a new green will also help transform the club’s existing offering.

Honorary Secretary and project lead Mark Etherington says: “This project provides a great opportunity for all categories of golfer, new starter to professional, who need to be able to practice their game away from the course.

“We have been very fortunate to be awarded the grant and appreciate all the support we received from the local authority in Darlington, the Golf Foundation, the Durham County Golf Partnership, and our members when we put the bid together.

“It is important that our club is viewed positively in the local area, that there is a clear demonstration that the game of golf is welcoming to all and supports the needs of members, public, volunteers and coaches who are at the heart of our club.

“Doing nothing is not an option. We have the best chance of success when we work together.”

PGA Head Professional and one of the key drivers of the project, James Cousins, adds: “We have put together an exciting sport development plan and are busy preparing the programme which will include sessions for schools and local organisations ready for when we open officially at the beginning of next year’s season.

“Currently the club provides weekly professional coaching but only if the weather permits. A covered practice area will allow us to provide coaching 12 months of the year and help us target new participants.

“We have membership opportunities in all categories and it’s a chance to join a club that is certainly ambitious and going places.”

Jonathan Ward, development officer for the Durham CGP, says: “Darlington Golf Club is to be congratulated on the proactive, positive approach it is taking to encouraging more people to get into golf.

“These facilities will complement the warm welcome and hard work that already means the club provides an ideal place to start out in the sport or develop your skills further.

“The club also has excellent plans to take the sport out into their local community, which will help showcase the many social and health benefits playing golf and being a member of a club can bring.”

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults to take up the game and is run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, supported by Sport England and National Lottery funding.

Get into golf opportunities include FREE taster session and low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766.

You can follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at  facebook.com/Getintogolf


 


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Tags: get into golf England Golf



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