Shelly golf academy
Aiming to raise profile of course
PGA golf professional Matt Whelband has opened up a golf academy at Shelthorpe golf course.
Whelband used to run a successful academy at Park Hill before the club closed earlier this year and now, working alongside ‘Active Charnwood’ and Idverde who run the site, he has launched the Shelthorpe Golf Academy.
Although he is based at Oakmere Park in Nottinghamshire, Whelband said that he wanted to maintain his links to the Loughborough area and raise the profile of a golf course that goes under the radar.
“The main reason for moving the academy to Shelthorpe is to help promote the golf course, and get the local community playing golf. This was the first course I played as a child and I want it to become a popular place again.
“Moving here with the academy and my PGA profession will hopefully help raise the profile. Lots of people who have already had lessons on the site didn’t know the place existed which is crazy.
“It’s an excellent 18 hole par 3 course, and perfect for those that want to start or improve. I even use it myself to practice my yardages and distance control.”
At the moment, there are two advanced classes and a mini class that runs every other Saturday for juniors aged seven and under but four new classes are to be introduced including a girls only class, a six week starter class, a ladies coffee morning class and a senior class.
Whelband added: “My vision is to turn the place into a proper little golf club. The coaching available is to all ages, and not just the Junior golfers. I do adult lessons, group lessons, and booking for these are very flexible.
“I’ve created a “Shelthorpe Golf Academy” Facebook page. There is a notice board now on the site and this will have lots of information on it and I will be setting up some free taster sessions.
“I’m dedicated to make this work and people are welcome to contact me on 07837 635250.”