WILTSHIRE FORM COUNTY GOLF PARTNERSHIP

WILTSHIRE has formed one of the first County Golf Partnerships in the country and is hoping to win funding from England Golf to introduce more people to the sport and help grow the game within the county.

The Partnership between the Wiltshire County Golf Union, The Wiltshire Ladies County Golf Association and The Wiltshire PGA is receiving funding and support from the English Golf Union and English Ladies Golf Association to write a Development Plan for the County and, if approved, will receive further funding to put that Plan into action.

Research has already been carried out among golf clubs nationally and now a series of forums is being held around the county in February to ensure that all local golf clubs have their say.

"It is vitally important that any Development Plan reflects local issues and concerns as well as targeting national objectives and aspirations for the sport. The plan must take into account the needs of local golfers, volunteers, administrators and coaches as well as all types of golf facilities from members clubs to driving ranges," stressed chairman, Diana Gritt.

The concept of a County Golf Partnership has already been tried in a couple of other areas and has proved that pooling resources and experience can spark real progress and attract additional investment in the game.

"Wiltshire may be a large county geographically, but in golfing terms we have one of the smallest pools of golfers and golf clubs in the country. We want to change that and introduce more people to the sport, especially youngsters and young adults," added Diana.

"It's a great game, it can be an individual or a team sport and it has the added benefit of helping to keep you fit and healthy."

Representatives from all the golfin facilities in the county have been invited to the interactive club forums, which will be held at Kingsdown Golf Club, Salisbury & South Wilts GC and Marlborough GC during February.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved with golf development or if you have any questions on the project, please contact, Brian Daniel, Di Gritt,(WLCGA) or Simon Shanks (PGA Secretary).

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