Treborth opens above par legacy course
Treborth Golf Complex recently marked the opening of their new short course, the latest development at the facility in their bid to increase participation levels, specifically with juniors and girls in mind.
Following a grant of over £20,000, the existing facility, which comprised a 19 bay driving range with a combination of outdoor and covered bays, a small putting green and a 14-hole mini crazy golf course, has been further enhanced with the creation of a short, par 3 course.
The financial boost has been made available through the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund, a £2m investment into grassroots golf provided by the Welsh Assembly Government, following the successful Ryder Cup bid.
“We are delighted to be working with partners, including Sports Council for Wales and Golf Development Wales, to produce a new generation of golfers,” explains Rob Holt, Chief Executive of Ryder Cup Wales. “Facilities such as these will enable hundreds of children in Gwynedd to be introduced to, or continue enjoying, the sport of golf and provides an ideal stepping stone in their development to become fully fledged golfers.
“The 2010 Ryder Cup is about much more than hosting the world’s most prestigious golf tournament – it is about making the most of the enormous opportunities that come with it. Over 40 projects have been funded, or given support in principle, by the Legacy Fund which will benefit young people and beginners and ensure that The Ryder Cup will leave a lasting legacy for all.”
Equipped with artificial tees to allow play all year round regardless of weather conditions, the course boasts holes ranging from 60 to 185 yards with three different tee positions to each green bringing into play a number of hazards including bunkers and trees.
Matthew Wharton, Professional at Treborth Golf Complex, said: “We are working with a number of key partners in the delivery of our overall plan to increase participation in the sport with a focus on junior recruitment and retention, in particular Gwynedd and Ynys Môn local authorities. This is of particular importance given the proximity of the North Wales Regional Centre of Excellence in Llangefni. The new facility at Treborth will allow beginners, with an interest already in the game, to develop their skills before trying out a full size course.
“Our 14-hole mini crazy golf course has also just been completed. The course design was created by local school children who submitted ideas and we intend to hold competitions throughout the year at which people of all abilities will be able to compete and win prizes.”
The Legacy Fund forms part of the winning 2010 Ryder Cup bid and over 40 projects throughout Wales have been supported – or given support in principle - is supported by the golfing organisations behind The Ryder Cup in Europe – the European Tour and the Professional Golfers Association, as well as the Golf Union of Wales.