Fun fits the bill for New Mills

A Derbyshire club is reaping the rewards for instilling an emphasis on fun among its junior section.

New Mills Golf Club’s focus on making the sport enjoyable has seen its junior membership increase from just six to 68.

Leading the drive to recruit more youngsters has been PGA Professional Dave Cullen (pictured above) who only arrived at the club in April 2012.

But with the commitment and support from junior organiser Phil Holland and volunteers, has helped forge a flourishing membership.

The plan to generate interest involved introducing local children to golf in schools with ten local primaries taking part in Tri-Golf coaching which was then followed up in the curriculum and after school.

The highlight of the final session was a visit to the golf club to play a Texas scramble competition. At this point youngsters were offered an excellent value membership (£15 for under11s and £75 for 12-18 year olds.)

Encouraging children to join the club has seen an increase in adult membership, with parents and children now golfing together at weekend competitions.

For example, a lads and dads greensome Stableford competition took place where one young competitor, who initially believed he was not good enough to compete, went on to win with a score of 22 points over nine holes.

“To have found so much local talent has been extremely satisfying, I am sure that these juniors will become the future of New Mills Golf Club,” said Cullen.

Holland added: “Sunday afternoons have been transformed by the junior section.

“Both course and clubhouse are seeing plenty of activity from good numbers of juniors and parents."