LANCASHIRE golf clubs are ready to build on a hugely successful 12 months by turning their attentions on the next generation of players. The county has posted impressive figures with club membership rising by 1,636 last year.
And its 4.2 per cent increase was the best county performance in the country.
Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs want to continue the growth of the sport by supporting a wide range of initiatives designed to encourage more young people into the game.
The LUGC launched a county development plan two years ago and after hitting all their initial targets the emphasis will shift to junior golf this year.
A junior pathway has been developed to cater for around 250 youngsters from 
beginners to the players chosen to play in county matches and national competitions.
A special programme for under 14s, with coaching provided by PGA professionals and supported by volunteers has been introduced, costing £25 for three days of tuition the summer based in regional centres North Lancashire, East Lancashire, South Lancashire, Bolton and Bury, Southport and Manchester.
Players take part in a series of skills challenges designed to improve their putting, bunker play and short game, for example, with an end of season competition – at Houghwood Golf Club – giving them chance to put their know-how into practice.
It is open to existing club members and entries are still open for this year’s programme with further details from the LUGC website at http://www.lancashiregolf.org/talent_development_programmes. Closing date is March 1.
The LUGC want to further expand their support of the work going on at club level to bring new, younger players into the game. Ideas include working with the clubs and their PGA professionals to develop a model for golf camps in the school holidays.
