New drive to ‘raise our game’
ENGLAND Golf – the game’s national governing body – has appointed two new development officers to support the work of clubs and driving ranges across the county.
Alison Lysons will team up with Sean Hammill with a brief to attract more players, increase membership and develop stronger clubs across the region.
The county’s golf facilities are already backing a national campaign launched by England Golf, which has put in place a plan which runs until 2017.
‘Raising our Game’ includes supporting clubs as they seek to introduce newcomers to the sport through coaching for beginners and providing a positive pathway into club membership.
The work going on in Cheshire sees the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs and the Cheshire County Ladies Golf Association working closely with the area’s PGA professionals, while England Golf is now providing additional resources with the introduction of two county development officers.
The formation of the new Cheshire Golf Development Group will focus attention on attracting people to the sport as it looks to build on the work of the previous County Golf Partnership.
This includes supporting clubs with two initiatives – the Get into Golf campaign and the achievement of the GolfMark standard.
The two CDOs will also support clubs in areas like the retention of existing members.
Alison, originally from Widnes and who now lives in Warrington with partner Patrick, has previously worked as a development officer for Women’s Running Network, England Athletics and Badminton England.
Alison played golf at Widnes Golf Club as a junior and her dad Keith, now aged 82, is still a playing member at Widnes.
Sean, who lives in Macclesfield, previously spent three years as development officer in Staffordshire and a Regional Officer for England Golf.
He comes from a golfing family and was a previous member at Bramhall GC, but now plays at Prestbury GC, where he is a former junior organiser.
Sean is also a member of Alnmouth GC in his native Northumberland.
Alison will support clubs in Cheshire West & Chester, Warrington and Wirral. Sean will support clubs in Cheshire East and Stockport.
David Durling, chairman of the Cheshire Golf Development Group, says:
“The Development Group is delighted to have Alison and Sean on board. They bring with them skills and experience that will be a great assistance to all of our clubs in Cheshire” ●● THE Leathem Family Cup has been a popular competition at Styal Golf Club since it was introduced ten years ago by long-standing member and former Captain, Andrew Leathem.
His daughter Charlotte has gone on since to be a leading player in Cheshire with a +2 handicap and aspirations of joining the professional ranks
Father and son duo of Simon Geddes (handicap six) and his dad Jim set a new competition record of 49 points.