Durham City Golf Club is reaching out to its community with an exciting new project to increase the number of young people and families taking part in golf.
The club has received GolfParc equipment to take the game out to local people and show them that golf is fun and has a welcome for all.
The equipment can transform a wide range of recreational spaces, such as leisure centres, recreational parks, school halls and playgrounds, into small, fun golf courses for family play, learning or community competitions.
Tom Cranfield, the club’s head professional, commented: “This will enhance all our starter group coaching at the club and when we reach out to schools and local disability groups.”
This is the first of a number of pilot schemes being run by England Golf and supported by Factory Eleven, the Yorkshire-based sports business which is supplying the GolfParc equipment. The pilots are taking place in four counties – Durham, Cheshire, Somerset and Shropshire and Herefordshire – which are involved in a project to grow participation in golf.
The use of GolfParc is one of a range of actions designed to break down some of the barriers which deter people from going to a golf club for the first time.
Mike Greener, England Golf’s Club Support Officer for Durham, said: “It’s vital that golf clubs have the opportunity to develop and grow. GolfParc is a fun and interactive way to increase participation and club membership.”
Lee Dolby, England Golf’s National Young People Manager, commented: “Some people assume that the only place you can play golf is at a golf club, but with GolfParc the course can come to you.
“By supporting clubs like Durham City to use GolfParc equipment and reach out to their community we hope to engage more young people and families in activity and show them how accessible golf can be.
“Over the coming months Durham City will be working with GolfParc to develop an activity plan which will see the equipment used at various venues across the county.”
Peter Gray from Factory Eleven said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with England Golf in this participation project in Durham.
“Our GolfParc products have been designed to create a positive introduction to golf wherever you want to play, giving clubs the opportunity to deliver fun golf programmes right across their local communities, in a wide range of venues.”