Cumbria set for a steep increase in development funding

England Golf has awarded the Cumbria Golf Partnership £22,000 over the next three years to support the development of golf in the county.

The CGP will use the money to support its target of increasing the number of people playing golf in Cumbria by 3% through a variety of initiatives and schemes which link into all facilities, local authorities and the County Sports Partnership. Retaining golfers is also a key aim and flexible membership schemes targeting 19-45 year olds will be promoted.

The Cumbria Golf Partnership (CGP) was formed in April 2008 and is an alliance between the Cumbria Union of Golf Clubs, the Ladies County Golf Association and local Professional Golfers Association. Two county forums were held earlier this year, which over 100 people attended, representing 28 golf clubs to address golf s strengths and weaknesses, recruitment and retention, priority groups and important areas for future planning in the county.

The Partnership has since produced a development plan for 2008 to 2011, which focuses on the areas highlighted in the forums. Detailed actions have been drawn up by the Partnership in a number of areas including recruitment, retention, player development, facilities and clubs to name a few.

Richard Flint, English Golf Union (EGU)/English Women s Golf Association (EWGA) Golf Development Manager, commented, The Cumbria Golf Partnership is planning for the future health of the county and golf clubs, by focusing on the development of the game. The CGP has put together a detailed plan, with some ambitious targets, which will hopefully be achieved through its continued hard work and dedication .

Mike Bland, Partnership Chairman commented, With all the golfing bodies within the county working together, we are confident that golf in Cumbria will progress with players, facilities and coaches all benefiting .

More further details on the Cumbria County Golf Partnership visit www.cumbriagolfpartnership.org.

County Golf Partnerships are an initiative that has been introduced through the delivery of England Golf s Whole Sport Plan for golf and are an integral part of its vision to Grow the Game .

More information on County Golf Partnerships can be found on the 'For Golf Clubs' section of the EGU website, www.englishgolfunion.org and then click on 'Info for Counties'.