Golf playing a leading role at Christ College Brecon

Christ College Brecon has developed a top reputation in education and junior sport for almost 500 years – but now golf is also playing a leading role at the school.

They have teamed up with Cradoc golf club, one of the most spectacular courses in Wales and just a couple of miles away from the independent school, to provide attractive golf for pupils, their parents and the school’s staff.

While part of the school’s tradition includes Albert (AD) Evans, former Welsh amateur champion, Walker Cup selector and president of the Welsh Golfing Union, the new developments have attracted a world wide interest.

“Golf has been available as an option at Christ’s College as far back as the turn of the last century, but this initiative is putting golf firmly on the agenda as a major sport at the school and not just an activity,” explained Steve Maggs, the school’s development director.

“We have formalised the links between the school and the golf club so that our pupils can get free expert tuition from the PGA pro Richard Davies.

“Some of our pupils are already good golfers, so they can come here knowing they will get a top education but also have access to excellent golf facilities through our corporate membership of Cradoc.

“We have widened that to parents, staff and Old Breconians who can get free tuition and play at Cradoc through our membership, anything from beginner sessions up to elite level at one of the best courses in Wales with excellent practice facilities.

“More than 20 of our pupils registered as junior members of the club last year, we have atrtracted good golfers from Dubai, Germany and Spain coming to the school. Our arrangement with Cradoc was a key factor in their choice to come to Christ College

“We felt that the facilities at Cradoc with the driving range and 18 hole championship course were perfect for the partnership.

“Golf as a sport instils self-discipline and self-control, you can play as an individual and as a team, as well as teaching you social etiquette. It provides a basis for friendship and enjoyment which can be played throughout life.”

Despite the programme being in its infancy, Christ College has already attracted its first recruits to the scheme for the current academic year.

Alex Bush, aged 12 from Brecon, is already a regular member of the Welsh U14 Squad, and plays of a senior handicap of 15. Jason Brown, aged 15, has joined the school from Dubai and plays off a handicap of 4.

Old Breconian and chief executive of the Golf Union of Wales, Richard Dixon, is delighted with the scheme.

“One of Wales’ finest schools and one of Wales’ finest golf clubs have embarked on an innovative partnership which encourages pupils, and their parents, to play the game of golf,” he said.

“This partnership is about developing golfing excellence with a first-class education and it has the foundation to develop elite young players of tomorrow because of the unique environment that Christ College and Cradoc Golf Club provide.”

Whilst the programme will also see an emphasis on fostering golf skills in newcomers to the sport, a proposed ‘Elite Squad’ will be developed to support the continued development for young golfers showing outstanding promise.

For more details visit www.christcollegebrecon.com .