Summerhill Golf Club Secures Stamp of Approval

Summerhill Golf Club near Hay-on-Wye has received a thumbs-up for encouraging youngsters onto its greens and fairways.

Golf Development Wales and the Golf Union of Wales have accredited the club with its Junior GolfCert – a seal of approval which marks the club’s commitment to junior golf, making it the first along the South East Anglo-Welsh border to get the award and one of the first 10 clubs in Wales.

Golf Development Wales Chairman Andy Morgan explained, “Junior GolfCert aims to reward and recognise those clubs who are striving to increase the numbers of young people playing golf.

“Golf Development Wales has developed a national standard and this accreditation clearly demonstrates those clubs dedicated to fostering the game at junior and beginner levels.

“In the run up to the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales, there is a definite buzz and I am delighted to see clubs in Wales investing in both the future of their clubs and the game of golf.”

Summerhill Golf club will be holding weekly beginner sessions for age 5years and up from Mid April through to September. These weekly sessions will be delivered by a team of five junior leaders and supported by a local PGA.

Summerhill is a Golf Foundation Starter centre and Dragon Sport club. All the volunteers have attended Golf leaders workshops or the PGA L 1 coaching courses along with child welfare workshops.

Children are welcome to attend the first session free and there after a small charge of £2 to cover costs will apply. The club has a large amount of junior golf clubs which youngsters can borrow until they wish to purchase their own.

Throughout the season a number of fun competitions will be held to encourage older juniors and adult members to get to know the new youngsters.


Sarah Powell, Summerhill junior organizer, said, “The small three hole par 3 course the club has is a fantastic asset and a superb teaching area for the very young members.

“It is a realistic, safe area that children can learn all the rules and etiquette before venturing onto the main course.”

Summerhill Golf Club will retain its Junior GolfCert status until the beginning of 2010, the year Wales stages the Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort.
 

As an additional reward to all those clubs who achieve the Junior GolfCert in the run up to the Ryder Cup, GDW will be giving an allocation of tickets to take a group of juniors to one of the Ryder Cup practice days. GDW is grateful to Ryder Cup Ltd and Ryder Cup Wales for providing the tickets. It is a great chance for junior sections to fully embrace the Ryder Cup coming to Wales.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sarah Powell 07799860785

Hannah James at Golf Development Wales on (01633 436040) or Hannah.james@golfunionwales.org