Haverfordwest Golf Club open their new Training Bay
On the 26th of August, Haverfordwest’s Training Bay was officially opened by Alex Pyle (Club Captain) and Pam Pyle (Ladies Captain). Also in attendance were junior players and parents, some of the clubs’ sponsors: John Thomas from JT Autos, Andy Repton from TCR, Jacky Jones from Werndale Hospital, Mathew Divry from Groundworks, Nick Packman from Nolton Haven Mill, David Kelly, Ollie Dobson and Alan Spencer. Also attending were representatives from Wales Golf, Louise John and Seren Bartlett from Prendergast School.
Iori Dobson, aged 5, had the honour of hitting the first drive and true to form hit his shot straight down the middle. He was followed by Captain Alex Pile who admitted it wasn’t his best shot!
The Training Bay was paid for by a Be Active Wales Grant from Sports Wales and the National Lottery. The grant also paid for 10 sets of Junior clubs, balls, chipping nets and practice equipment.
This year the club has had a big focus on the Junior Section. Huw Jones took over as Junior Coordinator and with the assistance of Elspeth Owen, Alan Spencer and Elliot Harding they have been successful on a number of fronts.
Huw Jones Junior Cordinator said ‘We introduced a Juniors New2Golf Scheme, supported by Wales Golf, and from 24 juniors who took part 18 have now taken up junior membership. We currently have another cohort underway. In addition, we have attracted other juniors from across the area and now have some 36 junior members.’
‘In June we hosted a Juniors Open, A Dyfed Order of Merit event, attracting junior players from across West Wales. In August our Tigers Team, HGC first team, sponsored the inaugural Tigers Shield which saw our Juniors teaming up with members from the Tigers, Ladies and Seniors sections in a very competitive Texas Scramble event.’
‘We have also developed a great relationship with Prendergast School and over the past 3 months, Huw and Alan, have been at school Wednesday and Friday afternoons introducing and coaching years 4,5 and 6 pupils in golf and over 140 children have been down to the club to use our practice facilities. We are now engaged with other local schools with a similar offering. ‘
The Training Bay will go a long way in improving the club’s offering to not only juniors but all members. The covered facility will open opportunities to have lessons and practice even when the Pembrokeshire weather is against them.
Huw Jones said ‘The future of the club is its Juniors. It’s very competitive with offerings of football, cricket, Rugby, and hockey to name a few sports that are available in our area. With that in mind, we must ensure that we are able to offer a great experience and welcome all children and their families to the club.’
