World number 9 and Ryder Cup hero Tommy Fleetwood with Lancashire Juniors at Formby Hall

A selection of age group Lancashire junior golfers were treated to a once in a life experience when home grown golfing superstar Tommy Fleetwood returned to his roots and back in the team room where he discussed what it takes to become one of the world’s best golfers.

2008 Lancashire Champion Tommy, winner of the 2017 Race to Dubai European Order of Merit, Ryder Cup hero and current world number 9, came through the age group ranks of Lancashire in his early golfing career and was keen to take the chance to share his experience with the latest generation of County Juniors.

Tommy answered a wide range of questions and also gave unique insights into topics including his swing technique, practise secrets, organisational skills and routine for his weekly tournament preparations.

‘To be able to talk about my career so far with the kids has been a great experience. I hope they have learned so much and benefited from me speaking to them about the game’.

‘It’s been great to see some old faces who are part of the County and they’ve all helped me so much in becoming who I am today’.

The clinic was held at Formby Hall Golf Resort in Southport, where Fleetwood is a past member and occasionally plays with his dad Pete when on a break from both the PGA and European tours.

Leading Lancashire Coaches Gareth Benson and Ian Lee hosted the event alongside Fleetwood, and they too thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Benson remarked, ‘Tommy is a role model for all junior golfers and we hope they’ll take a great deal away from this experience and benefit from Tommy’s advice’.

Lee said, ‘For Tommy to take time out of his busy schedule to come and speak with the team has been fantastic. We are so lucky to have him associated with the County’.

Tommy rounded off the presentation by highlighting. ‘The key points of having a desire and will to succeed both as a team and individually is paramount. ‘

We all need world class planning, preparation and organisation. I hope the lads have taken this on board and it’s been a pleasure to speak to them today. After all, Lancashire is my county and I always want them to win!’

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Morecambe Golf Club receives their award for GolfMark (left to right) Stuart Buckley, General Manager, Adam McAlister, England Golf’s Club Support Officer (Lancashire), Keith Morley, Captain, and Simon Fletcher, Head Professional

MORECAMBE Golf Club in Lancashire has won a national award for its efforts to grow the game – and marked the achievement in typical style with a festival for local schools.

The seafront club – which can be found on Marine Drive – has been presented with the GolfMark award.

GolfMark is an official seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game in four ways:

• By attracting new members and encouraging existing members to play more
• Using practical business planning to develop the club
• Offering coaching and playing opportunities for all golfers
• Ensuring safeguarding policies are in place

The club celebrated its centenary in 2005 and prides itself on maintaining the traditions of the sport while offering the next generation of players a warm and friendly welcome.

It has been at its present home since 1923, with the Dr Alister MacKenzie designed course offering superb views over the Morecambe Bay and to the Lakeland fells beyond.

The award was presented to Morecambe Golf Club during a schools tri-golf festival event by England Golf’s Lancashire Golf Club Support officer Adam McAlister, who commented: “I’m delighted that Morecambe has achieved GolfMark and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.”

Morecambe Golf Club’s General Manager Stuart Buckley said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Morecambe Golf Club to receive this award. We are one of only a select amount of golf clubs in Lancashire to have received this award and it is a testament to our team of PGA Professional coaches and volunteers at the club that put in hours of work to achieve what we have done.”

The schools event was overseen by a team including Mark Christie (University of Cumbria Course Leader), Adam McAlister (England Golf), Andy Leigh (Golf Foundation), Stuart Buckley (General Manager, Morecambe GC) and Simon Fletcher (PGA Pro, Morecambe GC).

Youngsters enjoying the schools tri golf festival at Morecambe Golf Club

It saw students at the university plan and deliver the competition as part of their final module with 150 children from a variety of local schools taking part on the day. It was supported by volunteers from Myerscough College Golf Studies students.

To signpost a pathway into golf, all those who took part left with a goodie bag offering further coaching at the club. Junior membership offers were also promoted. A total of £200 was also raised for the club’s charity Unique Kidz.

The GolfMark award was developed by England Golf and also integrates Sport England’s Clubmark award – a national standard for quality sports clubs recognised across the country.

GolfMark brings a number of benefits to clubs including raising awareness, access to funding, business and marketing support and training opportunities for staff and volunteers.

To find out more visit www.golfmark.org

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