Hollingbury’s community spirit wins top national award

Hollingbury Park Golf Course was presented with the Strongest Community Engagement Award at last night’s 2017 England Golf Awards at Lord’s.

Bromley Golf Centre was the runner up, making it a double triumph for Mytime Active.

The Awards shone the spotlight on great moments and achievement at all levels of English golf. Hollingbury Park was honoured alongside Olympic champion Justin Rose, Masters champion Danny Willett and Solheim Cup player Charley Hull, as well as other players and heroes from the grass roots game.

“It’s great that we have been recognised for the hard work we have done in the community to build foundations for the future of the game,” said the club’s General Manager Maria Nolan. “We are open for the whole community and we are not afraid to try new ideas.”

One of their latest ideas to take golf to people who’ve never tried the game was to stage a Christmas open air cinema screening. Festive favourite Elf was a huge hit with local families, attracting over 600 people who received information about children’s parties, coaching courses and playing offers.

Planning the event also helped the club make new contacts with local companies and organisations and helped it to spread the message about the benefits of golf.

“We are passionate about developing new ways to improve and increase access into the game,” said Maria. “The whole team is proud to promote the game we love to the local community, inspiring the future generation of players.”

The club is involved with the local council’s ‘Take Part’ event and attracted 400 people to try golf in one day. It followed up with an open week for all which drew 200 people to the club.

Links have been created with four local schools, giving 180 children an hour’s introduction to the game plus an invitation to the club for more tuition. Parent were welcomed too!

“Everyone is welcome to our venue whether they’re a golfer or not,” said Maria.