One of Northamptonshire's oldest Golf clubs has recently been awarded Clubmark as part of its efforts to attract younger members from its local community.

The accreditation was awarded to the Northampton golf club by England Golf.

The club was founded in 1893 and is looking to the future by encouraging new people into the sport.  It is based in the picturesque village of Harlestone and says its junior section is going from strength to strength with numbers boosted by over a third.

A growing number of girls are included in this increase.

"Clubmark shows we are delivering golf in the correct manner and offers a clear signal to parents that their children are in a safe environment", said Director of golf Barry Randall.

And  David Davis, county development officer for the Northamptonshire County Golf Partnership added: "Clubmark can offer parents the reassurance that the right duty of care policies are in place. It means a parent dropping off their child at the club knows they are in a positive environment with the emphasis on the right care and responsibilities.
Northampton has taken a very proactive approach to encouraging more people into the sport and Clubmark is a fitting acknowledgement that all their hard work has laid down high standards."

The Northampton club is also proposing to establish a par three Academy course which will provide a perfect starting point for newcomers of all ages and abilities.

On the junior side the club offers around 30 events a year and a chance for the juniors themselves to help shape the club's activities.

"We have a junior committee and welcome input from anyone interested," added Barry Randall.

"We listen to what the junior players have to say and have developed events and coaching to allow them to get fully involved in the club.

"We have expanded the junior AGM into more of a fun day with a nine hole Texas Scramble before the meeting and junior presentations. In turn, more juniors than ever are supporting the club's activities."

Junior organiser Liz Mulliner and head professional Nick Soto plan to forge even stronger links with local schools while also building on the success of innovative ideas such as inviting girl guides groups to ‘try golf' sessions.