Clubs unite in exciting new partnership

Three golf clubs have teamed up in a ground-breaking partnership to form the North Cheshire Golden Golf Triangle as part of the drive to grow the sport.

Runcorn, Widnes and Eastham Lodge clubs have joined forces in a new initiative aimed at giving even better value to their members.

The alliance means that all members will be able to play free, unlimited social golf at the other two clubs at no extra cost.

Mike Lane, of Runcorn Golf Club, explains: “The purpose of this initiative is to future proof the clubs in terms of sustainability and financial security while improving and extending the golfing experience and member benefits,

“For the price of a single membership at one of the three clubs, golfers can enjoy playing at the other two venues as well.”

The partnership will also see the clubs – which are within a 25 minute drive of each other - sharing best practice. The new playing arrangements come into force on April 7.

Lane added: “The wider benefit for the clubs is that they will be able to share knowledge and expertise, identify best practices, strengthen links and in time, perhaps, share resources.

“We are delighted to have brokered this special partnership to cement relationships between the three clubs.

“The clubs have embraced this partnership model to move forward and secure a robust future in these challenging times for golf clubs.”

All three clubs have introduced flexible membership fees for younger golfers to encourage the next generation of players into the sport.

Dr Jim O’Connor and Phil Morris, from Eastham Lodge and Widnes golf clubs respectively, have also welcomed the new scheme.

They say: “This partnership is not only fantastic for our members but also the future of our clubs. We hope this initiative will help retain members and recruit new ones. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.”

The move has been praised by the Cheshire County Golf Partnership, which seeks to help clubs encourage new players and retain existing members through the national Get into golf campaign.

Craig Thomas, Advanced PGA Professional and development officer for the Cheshire CGP added: “Clubs across Cheshire are thinking in bold and innovative ways to ensure they find ways of bringing new players into golf and making golf club membership as attractive as possible.

“Golf is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities and brings many health and social benefits, particularly to members of clubs.

“This exciting new partnership offers great value for the members of these clubs while the clubs themselves are taking a proactive and enlightened approach to tackling the challenges they face both in terms of offering attractive membership deals and marketing themselves to the local community.”

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults to take up the game and is run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, supported by Sport England and National Lottery funding.

Get into golf opportunities include FREE taster session and low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766