KEEN young golfers from local schools swung into action last week at the official opening of one the countries first golf academies at Rickmansworth Public Golf Course.
More than 25 people representing local interest groups, clubs and societies filled the main entrance of the Three Rivers District Council-run academy in Moor Lane, Rickmansworth to view junior pupils from local schools The Royal Masonic School for Girls, in Rickmansworth Park, Yorke Mead School, in Dulwich Way, Croxley Green and Rickmansworth School in Scots Hill, Rickmansworth accessing and demonstrating the courses new facilities.
The new facility, designed to encourage golf among minority sporting groups such as women, young people and people with disabilities, marks the all important final stage of a £650,000 refurbishment to the club.
Three Rivers District Council agreed to front under half the funds for the refurbishment two years ago after Sports Lottery Panel awarded the club, for which membership figures were steadily dwindling, £385,000.
Course designer Mr Howard Swan, of Swan Golf Designs, said: "This has been a very exciting project which we have been involved with from start to finish.
"I think it is fair to say golf is still considered to be a very restrictive game, which is sad because it is such a wonderful sport, which should without a doubt be opened to a wider audience."
Upon cutting the ribbon for the new facility, chairman of Three Rivers Council Geoff Emery congratulated all those who had been involved in the planning and development stages from start to finish.
July 6, 2001 15:27
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article