Youngsters get their shot

Jul 10 2008 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

THE Bedlingtonshire club have been presented with the rare Golf Mark award under a national scheme incorporating Sport England’s Club Mark accreditation award.

The scheme identifies and recognises junior and beginner-friendly facilities and the club where double European Tour winner Kenneth Ferrie first started the sport is clearly up to the mark.

A Bedlingtonshire idea that might catch on allows youngsters to start playing for £10 a year which enables them to hit balls on the practice ground and the putting green and buy soft drinks in the clubhouse.

The youngsters have the option of taking part in two-day school holiday coaching sessions before deciding whether to join as junior members.

“The club have every reason to be proud of this award,” said Jason Budd, the regional development officer for the EGU and EWGA, who made the presentation of a plaque and certificates. “It takes a lot of work to get Golf Mark and it proves that in every respect, from the quality of the coaching and the club facilities to the care taken over a safe environment for youngsters, they are up there with the best.”

:: YOUNGSTERS who want to try the Bedlingtonshire route into golf can ring club professional Marcus Webb on (01670) 822087. Clubs interested in going for the Golf Mark can contact EGU man Budd on (07726) 601724.