THE Durham County Golf Partnership (CGP) has created the post of county development officer and appointed Jonathan Ward, the former head of golf development at the North East Sports Academy (NESA) at Tyne Metropolitan College, Wallsend.

The CGP is a joint venture between the Durham County Golf Union (DCGU), the Durham Ladies County Golf Association (DLCGA), representatives from the North East/North West PGA, Golf Foundation; the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) supported by County Durham Sport, Tees Valley Sport and Tyne and Wear Sport.

In February 2009 the Durham Golf Partnership was awarded £24,500 to develop golfing opportunities in County Durham in line with the County Development Plan.

One of Jonathan’s main tasks will be assisting Jason Budd, the EGU regional development officer for the North East, to focus on and oversee the GolfMark Award project.

This national scheme identifies and recognises junior and beginner friendly golf facilities. And as part of the EGU/EWGA GolfMark Award, once a golf club is awarded, they will be recognised by Sport England as a Clubmark facility. Golf clubs benefit in a number of ways from a GolfMark award.

Firstly, they receive recognition within the local community for the club’s commitment to junior golf and they receive promotion via the EGU/EWGA websites.