Disney wins local coaching award

Stuart Disney has been named the Participation Coach of the Year at the Somerset Activity & Sports Awards.

The award goes to a person who shows an outstanding contribution to getting more people starting, staying and succeeding in sport.

Stuart has implemented a variety of initiatives since joining The Mendip Golf Club 18 months ago.

The Somerset club had no junior section before his arrival and no pathway for golfers from the community to find a way into the club.

"I am honoured to receive this award," said Disney, pictured right. "With all the work I have been doing with developing junior golf and creating links to the community, it shows that we are doing the right things here at Mendip.

"It's not only juniors that we have been developing. We have worked tirelessly in creating a pathway to club membership that allows newcomers to the game the chance to try golf.

"I set up get into golf sessions with three stages, from beginners, improvers and trial membership. This then led to a new 'lifestyle' membership category and this has proved very popular. It has enabled us as a club to grow our membership base and we now have more members than this time last year.

"I can't thank the members of Mendip Golf Club enough for all the support they have shown me and my team and for all those that nominated me for this award. Without them and the support of the board, none of this is possible.

"I just love developing golf and being at the heart of club life and interacting with the members. I love being a PGA Professional and all that it entails."