Golf Development Wales’ Annual New2Golf Scheme – Family focus this Easter
#golffamilyfun
Golf Development Wales launched its fresh look 2016 New2Golf/ Back2Golf scheme last week which has already seen women, families and couples given exciting incentives to give-golf-a-go or get back into the sport again. And this Easter Golf Clubs across Wales are welcoming all families to take part in some festive Easter activities.
Families are being welcomed to clubs across Wales over the Easter period exposing a new audience to the wider benefits of golf and becoming a part of their local club.
Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club have made families a priority in their club development strategy and have been demonstrating the wide appeal of the sport to the local community, with Easter weekend activity to suit everyone in the family.
John McDonald, Club Professional has an action packed day lined up,
“We’ve been running a four week after school programme with three local Primary Schools in the area, Llantrisant, Penygawsi and Tonysguboriau, which finishes on Friday and we wanted to put something on at the club to get those children that have shown an interest to come along and continue the momentum.
“On March 26th from 9am we’ll have our Easter festival with a lot of varied activity going on at the club. We’re in the heart of community but people don’t realise that we’re here. We have so much on offer and it’s a beautiful setting, we want people to come and take advantage of the facility on their own doorstep”.
He added, “For people stuck for things to do in the Easter break, we’re putting on free taster coaching sessions all day and this is for the whole family not just the kids, they will have access to the swing studio, which is a golf simulator and is great fun, there will be short game putting and chipping competitions, a bouncy castle and soft play for the kids and an easter egg hunt of course.
“Families can just turn up in casual clothes, there’s no need for any golfing gear, all equipment is provided by the club. We just want people to come along, see where we are and what we have to offer and have an enjoyable time. There’s catering at the club for everyone, so you can enjoy lunch with fantastic views and the first 100 people who arrive will receive an adult and child ticket to Cardiff City’s derby match on April 2nd.”
McDonald is enthusiastic about a new wave of golfers and how golf clubs are much more welcoming and have the potential to become the hub of a community.
“Llantrisant and Pontyclun golf course is great for all standards of golfer, it’s great to learn on as it’s not overly challenging so new golfers don’t feel intimidated. The greens are small and the fairways are tight so it’s a really enjoyable course to play”, he said.
Director of Development, Golf Union Wales, Hannah Mcallister added,
“As part of the overarching New2Golf Back2Golf campaign, families across Wales will have the opportunity to learn golf and play a few holes all together in a relaxed environment.
“Clubs are developing their own initiatives to encourage families to utilise facilities on offer, for example people can enjoy a family meal in the clubhouse after a few holes together and couples will be incentivised to learn, play together then dine together, introducing the other half to golf in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
“Golf clubs around the country will be offering free taster sessions and /or low cost, fun, group lessons to give beginner or lapsed golfers the opportunity to get involved with golf. The sport provides a relaxed way of having fun with family or friends, meeting new people and keeping physically active in the fresh air, whatever your age, background or ability.”
New2Golf/ Back2Golf month schemes are funded by Golf Development Wales and supported by the R&A, the governing body of the sport. 2015 saw over 60 clubs run New2Golf with clubs offering excellent deals to encourage people to take up the sport for life.Examples of some of the opportunities open to new and lapsed golfers include low cost beginner coaching, trial membership, green fee and membership offers. All of these offers are designed to introduce people to the game in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
As part of the beginner scheme’s participants will gain aNew2Golf welcome pack, which includes vouchers for: discounted lessons, a free opportunity to bring a friend or family member to a lesson , equipment, as well as, fun introductory information plus more. The scheme welcomed over 1600 New2Golf members in 2015 with over 55% of those being female.
To find a scheme near you please visit the link below. Participating clubs will be added in the run up to April and throughout the year or to register your interest in beginner sessions individually or as a group please contact Sian.Simmons@golfunionwales.org
http://www.golfdevelopmentwales.org/find-a-beginner-session/
To learn more about the Golf Development Wales New2Golf/ Back2Golf benefit pack please visit http://www.golfdevelopmentwales.org/new-2-golf-back-2golf/join-new-2-golf/
See below some of the clubs that have Easter activities for the whole family.
Cardigan GC – Date TBC
Caerphilly GC – Easter Day 30th April 2016
Clyne GC – Beginners and new members evening with buffet and games – 8th April 7pm
Llangefni – Easter family day – 30th March 10-3pm
Llantrisant & Pontyclun – Open day Easter Saturday with taster session for all family – 26th April, John McDonald
Pyle and Kenfig – Golfer/non golfer nearest pin, putting for easter egg, Friday 25th April 10am
Penmaenmawr – treasurer hunt, no date TBC
Carmarthen – Easter Egg Hunt, 26th March 2016, 11.30
Pontnewydd – Family Open Day, 10th April 12-4pm
Log on to http://www.golfdevelopmentwales.org/find-a-beginner-session/ to find your local club and for further information and then contact the club direct to book.
For further information-
Please contact Laura Goode, Tel: 07531686728 or email: laurajgoode@hotmail.co.uk