THE Durham Golf Partnership (DGP) is launching an initiative to develop a countywide coaching programme aimed at identifying and encouraging talented junior golfers. Funds have been provided to support this initiative through the England Golf Partnership.

Jason Budd from the English Golf Union said: "This programme is aimed at boys and girls aged 7 to 15, who have talent and interest but who are not part of the present County squad coaching programme.

"The first stage of this programme will be the staging of Open Talent Assessment Days to identify young golfers, boys and girls, who show talent and enthusiasm for the game. DGP is to run two Assessment Days in November 2009, which are free of charge.

"Following these days, it is planned to invite selected young people to move on to a countywide coaching programme based at county training academies. This will provide the necessary coaching support to enable the young golfers to attain their full potential and to have the opportunity to progress to the county junior squads. Although subsidised, once selected, there will be a nominal charge for participating on the programme."

The Talent Assessment Days will take place at the following venues: Cocken Lodge Golf Club - Saturday 7th November (10am-2pm) and Knotty Hill Golf Club - Saturday 14th November (10.30am-1.30pm),

Jason added: "Each day will follow the same pattern of coaching and assessment by the DGP Academy Coaches. The sessions will be split into three components - long game, short game and putting. There will be skills challenges plus a short discussion with one of the coaches.

"If you know of a junior golfer who would benefit from this initiative, please encourage them to register for one of the Assessment Days."

Registration for the Talent Assessment Days can be completed by downloading a form from the following website: www.durhamgolfpartnership.com

Alternatively, contact Jason on 07726 601724 or send an email to: jbudd@englishgolfunion.org