Trentham Golf Club receives its GolfMark award (left to right) Keith Hodgkinson (Chairman), Sean Hammill (county development officer for the Staffordshire County Golf Partnership), Mandy Ambert (Junior Organiser), Ashley Salt (PGA Teaching Professional), Geoff Marks OBE (former Walker Cup player and Captain, ex-President EGU), and Richard Minton (General Manager)
Not even the worst of a British winter will stop the drive to encourage more people into golf at one Staffordshire club. Trentham Golf Club invested in an indoor golf room as part of its new greenkeeping complex 12 months ago and is reaping the benefits.
Coaching courses for juniors and lessons for members can continue all year round whatever the weather – with the latest event being a taster day for girls at the end of this month.
Now the club’s efforts have received national recognition with the award of GolfMark, an official seal of approval for junior and beginner friendly facilities which play an important role in the development of the game.
The club, situated in Barlaston Old Road, is one of the oldest in England, dating back to 1894, but has established a reputation for looking to the future by encouraging the next generation of golfers.
The junior section is thriving under junior committee chairman Rob Inchley and senior PGA teaching professional Ashley Salt, with coaching available from the age of eight upwards.
Committee member Mandy Ambert has championed the work necessary to achieve GolfMark, such as ensuring all necessary CRB checks are up to date and that the right duty of care policies are in place.
Next year will see the club organise 14 junior-only competitions, while the better players are given full rights to play in the adult competitions. Junior teams are also entered into local league competitions, such as the North Staffordshire Junior League, so they gain further experience of competitive golf. Juniors are also taught the sport’s rules and etiquette, which helps instil good habits for life away from the golf course, too.
The club has built strong links with local schools at both primary and secondary level and this year invited three of them to a Golf Foundation event on the day the club hosted a Faldo Series qualifier, which gave the opportunity to 60 children who had never played before to take part in Tri Golf on the practice ground.
The free taster day for girls is taking place on October 30th and will give anyone interested in trying the sport the perfect chance to do so. Further details are available from Ashley Salt on 07789 882765.
General Manager Richard Minton says: “We have worked hard in recent years, with the full support of our Chairman Keith Hodgkinson, to encourage juniors.
“We have some fantastic facilities and the indoor room means that no matter how miserable the weather our juniors and members can still hit golf balls and work on their game.
“Our professional Ashley Salt is a real asset to the club and has a great empathy with the children.
“GolfMark shows we are creating a positive environment in which children can learn and play golf.”
Says Sean Hammill, county development officer for the Staffordshire County Golf Partnership: “Trentham is a very proactive club when it comes to encouraging a new generation of players into the sport – something that is vitally important for the future of the game and the clubs that support it.
“GolfMark means a parent dropping off their child at Trentham knows they are in a positive, encouraging environment with the emphasis on the right care and responsibilities.”
Anyone interested in more details on the junior coaching available at Trentham Golf Club should contact the club on 01782 658109.
