Parkes pockets Golf Foundation award for schools initiative

Nottingham PGA Professional Dan Parkes (pictured second right) has been recognised by the Golf Foundation for playing a pivotal role in reinvigorating golf in schools in the city.

The Edwalton Golf Club Head Professional and members of the Rushcliffe School Sport Partnership collected the prestigious Bonallack Award for raising the profile of the game in schools and increasing junior members at the golf club.

Parkes, supported by 10 of the club’s senior members, worked with schools in the Rushcliffe area of the city delivering more than 30 curricular and extra-curricular sessions in primary and secondary schools, which led to a successful School Games Tri-Golf competition with the winning team progressing to become Nottinghamshire Champions.

As a result of this activity, junior membership at the club has more than doubled and a number of youngsters have competed in the Nottinghamshire Union’s ‘Nippers Tour’, enhancing the club’s profile in the county.

Investing in school-based activity has made a significant impact on the club, with more family involvement, including new members.

The initiative has been a personal goal for 25-year-old Parkes, who having been a junior member at Edwalton remembers how influential the junior organiser was on his career.

“When I was here, there was a guy called Cyril Frettingham who was a junior organiser and he helped to us to develop and that was key to me eventually turning pro,” he said.

“When I got the job as head pro at Edwalton there wasn’t any of that so working with others at the club and other partners we have helped build what we have today.

“It’s been a hard work, but I don’t really see it as that as it has been enjoyable. The hardest stuff is planning not the delivery and the hour or two you spend with the kids.

“That’s the best bit as they’re always smiling and they appreciate what you’re doing. When I go to the local supermarket you always see a little kid that goes ‘there’s Dan from the golf club’ and that’s really nice.

“I have had a lot of support from The PGA with my training, which had equipped me with the skills. I have had the backing of the Golf Foundation and have used their resources effectively and they’ve been there for advice. It’s a lot of work for a huge reward.

“It’s nice to get recognised as it’s an achievement for all your hard work.”

Parkes, one of number of PGA Professionals recognised for their input into grass roots golf at the annual awards held in the Wentworth clubhouse on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship, is now looking to the future.

He is inspired by the winner of the Golf Foundation’s Sinclair Award, Scott Rusbridge of Essex, who has developed a successful academy with fellow PGA Professional Tom Hide.

“Listening to what Scott is doing down in Essex is the next step forward,” he said.

“It’s very much about the grassroots with the juniors and when they reach a level it’s progressing them on to other clubs.

“I’m hoping to work with another club locally giving me the opportunity to nurture them up to county golf level.

“At present, I work with juniors until they’re about 13 and then they move on but I am hoping to have the full spectrum and hopefully a junior academy of excellence so I can cater for juniors of all ages.”