Filey become 600th club to reach Golfmark milestone
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Filey Golf Club in north Yorkshire has just become the 600th club to achieve the GolfMark, England Golf’s award for junior and beginner-friendly facilities.
The GolfMark scheme, which incorporates Sport England’s Clubmark award, was launched in 2006.
“We are very, very pleased to have GolfMark,” said John Spaven, who shares junior organiser duties with fellow member Trish Nicholson. “It’s extra special to be the 600th club and we are really pleased to receive this recognition.
“It has been two years of hard work and we appreciate the support we have had from Richard Brown, our regional development officer from England Golf.”
The club has extensive links with local primary schools in Filey, Sherburn and Hunmanby and, with the help of the local Lions club, almost 200 youngsters are given a taste of golf each week on the academy course. They’re also introduced to members and to club life.
In addition, Filey Golf Club offers free membership to youngsters, under the age of 18, who are the children or grandchildren of full members. The result is a thriving junior section with about 40 members and plans to encourage more girls to get into golf.
Richard Flint, England Golf development manager, commented: “This is a fantastic milestone and shows the importance that golf clubs place on supporting junior and beginner golf. GolfMark clubs are also working closely with their County Golf Partnerships to help grow the game. ”
County Golf Partnerships have recently nominated candidates for the GolfMark Club of the Year 2013 and the shortlisted cubs are currently being visited by the judges. This award will highlight clubs which have shown an outstanding and innovative contribution to junior and beginner golf.
Bawburgh Golf Club in Norfolk were the 2012 winners of this prestigious award which is supported by COBRA PUMA Golf. To view a video clip on Bawburgh visit www.englandgolf.org and click on England Golf TV.
Addington Court in Surrey were one of the runners-up and have gone on to win the School Links section of the 2012 Community Sport and Recreation Awards from the Sport and Recreation Alliance.
GolfMark is open to all affiliated golf clubs and details of the scheme, including the procedure, case studies and clubs awarded, can be viewed at www.golfmark.org
