Cheshire club secures national accolade

A Cheshire golf club that is putting the local community at the heart of its drive to encourage more people into golf has received national recognition for its child and beginner-friendly approach.

Hartford Golf Club has been awarded GolfMark, a seal of approval for junior and beginner-friendly facilities which play an important role in the development of the game.

PGA Professional Adam Powell has played a key role in this success. Renowned for his proactive approach, he regularly organises events to help make the sport accessible to new players of all ages.

Among his recent successes were a junior academy, summer camps for younger players and Get into Golf sessions for ladies, all of which have contributed to rising numbers of players at the club.

Special effort has been made to ensure the nine-hole, par-69 course appeals to youngsters, and Powell has worked with local schools and colleges to help the next generation of golfers find a route into the sport.  

On the course, special junior tees have been included to make children’s first foray out onto the fairways an enjoyable one, while children are also made to feel welcome in the clubhouse, where a kids' menu is available.

In September, Hartford held a family fun day (above) which attracted more than 700 visitors and included craft stalls, a bouncy castle and a live band on the clubhouse patio. Free golf sessions included Tri Golf for the juniors, Golf Extreme for teenagers and introductory lessons for adults.

Tracy Horth, marketing manager at Hartford Golf Club, said: “Hartford offers a very warm welcome to all new golfers, but also to parents who may want to come along, support their children and enjoy a drink in the clubhouse, while they wait.

“The family fun day proved to be a big success. It was a free event and we wanted to show families who did not know about us what Hartford Golf Club has to offer.

“We hope to continue to work with local schools to develop the golfing opportunities for their pupils and GolfMark shows that we are going about things in the right way to give parents’ peace of mind that their children are enjoying their time in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.”

Craig Thomas, county development officer for the Cheshire County Golf Partnership, said: “Golf clubs need to get involved with their local community and showcase what the sport – and being a member of a club – has to offer in terms of a healthier lifestyle, sociable activity and a hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages and stays with you for life.

“Hartford is working hard to break down the barriers to becoming involved with golf by offering a competitive membership scheme as well as value for money green fees backed up by the right advice from their professionals for players to develop their skills and get the most from the sport.

“Their GolfMark award means a parent dropping their child off at the club knows they are in a positive environment which places an emphasis on the right care and responsibilities.”