A GOLF club has hit the target with a national accreditation for safeguarding.
Houghwood, in Billinge, which is backing the drive to grow the game, has achieved the SafeGolf club accreditation from England Golf.
The 18-hole course with a purpose built, stone clubhouse has just received the honour, recognising the club's commitment to safeguarding children and young people, as well as adults in risk in the sport of golf.
Houghwood Golf Club
The Ladies Section at Houghwood led by captain, Dee Griffiths, and charter champion, Ali Starrett, have recently launched a successful drive to introduce new lady members and girls to the game and the club.
The award was presented to Houghwood by Adam McAlister, England Golf’s Club Support Officer.
The SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the sport of golf.
The SafeGolf partnership consists of members from the golfing bodies across Great Britain and Ireland and has been established to help golf respond to the issue of child protection in sport.
Its mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk, in the sport of golf.
Houghwood in Billinge
Tony Mather, welfare officer at Houghwood, in leading the club’s push to SafeGolf, said: “Houghwood 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 about beginner golfers.”
Adam McAlister added: “I’m delighted that Houghwood has achieved SafeGolf and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.”
Houghwood Golf Club
SafeGolf is firstly, a website – safegolf.org – through which anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, can contact the lead safeguarding officer at their national governing body.
Secondly, it is the safeguarding standard England Golf will promote to all their affiliated clubs to ensure all clubs provide a safe and positive experience to children and young people whilst playing golf.
The PGA are also using the standards to apply to all their PGA professional coaches. Houghwood's PGA accredited professional coach is Paul Dickenson.
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