Innovation Saves West Yorkshire golf club

After months of concern over the survival of the popular public Whitwood Golf Course, Groundwork Wakefield has stepped in to save the course from closure.
 
After extensive meetings and discussions it has been agreed that the course will be transferred to the Groundwork charity; resulting in the unique situation of a voluntary sector organisation running a golf club.
 
Groundwork has also appointed Elaine McBride (pictured) as the new Golf Club Manager to oversee the running of the course. Professional Golfer Elaine brings with her a wealth of experience, including over seven years of working in the golfing industry, playing the sport since she was six years old, Elaine also taught golf in the Murcia region of Spain for a number of years.
 
The transfer of this 9 hole golf course will ensure that it remains open with Groundwork taking over the service. Following transfer, a plan will be put in place to increase membership, upgrade the course and build upon the reputation of the club as being at the heart of the community.
 
Ken Taylor said: “We are extremely excited to be spearheading this project which will make Whitwood Golf Club a viable and thriving community asset within the north east of the district and the surrounding area.” He added: “We aim to make the Golf Course and Club a quality and accessible golfing experience for all.”
 
Sam Wickens is a Whitwood Golf Club member and a director on the board of the new Whitwood Golf Club Ltd. He said: “I have been campaigning for two years to keep this course open. We are happy with the agreement with Groundwork. It’s a partnership and together we can make it successful. There has been so much uncertainty and some players have decided to go elsewhere. We can improve the course and attract more players.”