‘Grow the game’ recognition for Houghton-le-Spring
Houghton-le-Spring in Durham has become the latest English golf club to receive England Golf’s prestigious GolfMark accolade.
The club, founded in 1908 and located in Tune and Wear, received the award after demonstrating an ability to develop the game
in four key ways, including using practical business planning to develop the club, offering coaching and playing opportunities for all golfers, and ensuring safeguarding policies are in place
ENCOURAGE
The club has recently been awarded a Sport England Inspired Facilities grant to improve existing practice facilities and develop a six-hole pitch and putt course, which would be ideal to encourage those who have never played the game or those who wish to improve.
Ann Young, who worked with Joanna Ellison and Vince Hodgson to lead the club’s push to GolfMark, said: “Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club is a great club. It’s very friendly, welcoming
and forward-thinking. This award helps us to spread that message and to tell people that children are safe and secure here and that we understand how to encourage and support beginner golfers.”
DELIGHTED
The award was presented to Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club by Phil Graham, the County Development Officer for the Durham Golf Development Group, which works to grow the game across the county.
He said: “I’m delighted that Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club has achieved GolfMark and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.
“As the first County Durham club to be accredited since the relaunch of GolfMark last year, on top of a successful ‘Inspired Facilities’ application, the club should be very proud of these achievements.”
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