Norwood notches up Notts first

** Team Norwood: Richard Strange, senior PGA coach, Paul Thornton general manager, Matt Bloor Notts development officer & Rob Macey PGA head professional.

Norwood Park Golf Centre has become the first ever golf club to win club of the year category in the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards.

The club, which was runners-up in last year’s England Golf Golfmark Club of the Year, has established a strong reputation for junior and beginner golf.

"We would like to congratulate Norwood Park on winning the Club of the Year category of this year's Nottinghamshire Sports Awards. It’s a great start to the year and great for golf in Nottinghamshire,” said Chris Rolle, sport development manager for NCC.

Norwood's success was recognised last year when it was cited by England Golf in their ‘Best Practice’ example of proprietary clubs who are utilising England Golf/County Golf Partnership initiatives.

“We have noticed all the proactive work and believe Norwood to be an ideal example to promote as best practice to other golf clubs.

“Last year they introduced the 15” EZ Easy Golf to their par 3 Course which we feel was truly inspired!” said Richard Brown, England Golf’s regional development officer (Yorkshire & East Midlands).

Matthew Bloor, sports development officer (NGB Projects) & county development officer for Nottinghamshire Golf Partnership, added: "Norwood Park Golf Centre has shown to be one of the more pro-active clubs in Nottinghamshire since achieving GolfMark in 2010 with High Achiever Status being award in October 2013.

“The success of the club has occurred through a huge amount of hard work, but also because of a rare ability to marry a business led approach with development at the heart of everything they do, which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere at the club.”

The Golf Foundation awarded GolfRoots Centre accreditation and Richard Strange PGA Coach won the National Presidents Awards last year, which is presented to a PGA Professional who, as a direct result of their efforts, has made a significant impact in the development of grass roots junior golf.