There is a great deal of work going on in our clubs to encourage more people into the game.
There is no better way to attract new players to the game than to give them role models – at the very top of the game and among friends they can identify with.
Following the world’s best players on the PGA and European tours is one thing, but getting youngsters into clubs, out on the course and involved in the game is key to every club’s future.
With that in mind, it is pleasing to showcase the best young talent again this month, such as the achievements of 11-year-old Rachel Gourley, who is already a club champion at Blyth. She is joined this month by 10-year-old Maggie Whitehead, who will be competing in the junior world championships in the US later this year. Find out more about both on page 12.
Our cover star is no stranger to featuring in these pages as a junior golfer, but in this issue 20-year-old Jack Hermeston displays a maturity which shows how honing one’s talents on the course can also enhance lifeskills away from the fairways.
There are plenty of other inspirational stories from across the generations – none more so than an amazing tale in From the Bunker of two women who managed to ace the same hole during a medal final.
Then there is the team at Northern Golfer who are somewhat embarrassed to have won our charity day at Northumberland Golf Club (well not that embarrassed to be fair – get in!). The real winner was St Oswald’s Hospice to the tune of more than £7,500 thanks in no small part to the generous sponsorship of Bowes Mitchell Estate Agents and construction firm SV Rutter.
We are also delighted to learn Desmond Duffy, a stalwart of Northern golf, is set to become president of England Golf while there are awards for our professionals and volunteers who give back to the game.
It is incumbent upon us all to do everything we can to support initiatives to drive participation. It is not just about winning, but having fun, meeting new friends, keeping fit, healthy and active as well as contributing toward making our golf clubs successful businesses so they can invest in the wonderful facilities we enjoy both on and off the course.