A/S PE LOCAL ASSIGNMENT GOLF

I will consider Maidstone in Kent as my local area to be investigated.The most local clubs to Maidstone are; the Tudor park, Bearsted, the Weald of Kent, Chart hills, the Ridge, Leeds castle and Cobtree manor. All are private courses apart from Cobtree, which is owned by Maidstone borough council. There are also golf driving ranges at Langley [Maidstone] and Chatham. All run full coaching programmes across the full age, gender and ability range. [see appendix 1]

The TudorPark golf club is a typical example. There are no joining fees, but a monthly payment of £120 for full golf adults. There is a reduced rate of £77 for Kent county council employee’s [teachers, police etc]. I pay £23 pcm as a junior. This compares favourably with other local clubs. [See appendix 2].At Tudor park there are 500, members, 165 are female adult, 37 are juniors, of which only 5 are female. A junior academy runs every Saturday for first level elite and a Sunday session for junior beginners. In November 2000, the Golf Foundation launched Tri-Golf, which is a mini version of golf for the very young, involving child-friendly equipment. Resources are provided by the foundation. Tudor park work with the golf foundation and run tri golfsessions every school holiday. Another scheme set up by Marriot Golf, called kids Golf-4-Freeallows under 15’s to play for free after 3:00 p.m. with a full paying adult. In addition, Kids Rent-4-Freeprovides juniors with free rental clubs. It also enables youngsters to receive a free golf lesson from a Marriott Golf instructor.

Reference: TudorPark Professional

In comparison, the Weald of Kent have 287 Male members 64 which are veterans, 49 women members and 21 junior members 17 boys and 4 girls. The junior section has doubled over the last two years as a result of promoting the game to local schools offering tournaments, competitions and free lessons for youngsters.

Reference: The Weald of Kent professional

HSBC sponsor the Wee Wonders Championship, providing the opportunity for 5 – 12 year old to engage in competition. There were 4,000 competitors nationally and according to the Kent golf union 200 were from the Kent area.

Reference: The Kentgolf union

A number of schools within Maidstone are involved in promoting both grassroots and first level elite provision. M.G.S.B and Oakwood park G.S have a number of students who play golf regularly. M.G.S.B run a golf team, this is comprised of boys with low handicaps coordinated by Heather Cook [bursar], they play in both district and Kentcompetitions.

Reference: MGSB PE Dept

Both schools were extremely successful in the Maidstone district competition held at Cobtree manor, filling most of the top 10 positions. Cornwallis academy and St Simon Stock School also competed. A recent survey at the Cornwallis showed there were 52 students who played golf, 14 had handicaps and were affiliated to local clubs.The Cornwallis academy have developed a partnership with the Tudor park, encouraging students to take up golf.

Reference: CornwallisPE Dept

The Astor of Hever Sports College, through the school sports partnershipare responsible for developing tri-golf at primary schools in Maidstone. They have numerous packs used by their SSCO’s to teach in primary schools. For example Loose, Parkwood and Senacre primary schools all offer tri-golf. Golf Xtreme is a programme for secondary schools that is aimed at eleven to sixteen years olds, it has been introduced to some secondary schools in Maidstone, such as the Astor of Hever, with some success.

Reference: John Saunders PDM for Maidstone schools sports partnership

Opportunity for females to play is the same as their male counter part, unfortunately there is less up-take, therefore there is no league structure in Kent for girls. However, they can play in the boy’s league. There is however, a league for girls at countylevel. An example of the poor uptake is highlighted by the Cornwallis survey with only three girl players with only one with a handicap.Allowances for gender difference are made at clubs, with different lengths and handicaps to the game. All clubs I researched have allocated times just for lady members. Schemes such as tri-golf do try and address the gender issue by offering golf into the primary curriculum. But the uptake into real golf is still far less than for males[see appendix 3].

The voluntary sector is very active in local golf, for example at TudorParkand Weald of Kent they have volunteers who help with coaching, administration and fixtures for juniors. They would work closely with club professionals. This is combined with A level PE or sports leaders courses, which provides opportunities for young golfers to coach. However, the only way to qualify as a coach professional is through the PGA, which is a very extensive process.The assistant professional at Tudor park is undertaking his qualifications at BirminghamUniversity. [see appendix 5 for entry qualifications] Tudor park offer work experience for students demonstrating potential as a coach.

There is evidence of disabled golf being encouraged in Kent. For example all local clubs must provide basic access for the disabled such as parking and wheel chair access.[see appendix 4]There are members at the Tudor park who play with disabilities, but the management were unable to be specific on exact numbers. The Kent golf partnership run a ‘feel inspired’ project making £1,000 available to offer golf to youngsters with physical and mental disabilities. Unfortunately no clubs in the Maidstone are involved and youngsters had to travel to Manston, Boughton, Eteringhill or Canterbury in east Kent. The English Blind Golf Association, set up in 1982, provide visually handicapped people with the opportunities in golf. Each year the organisation run golf tuition for the blind. Last year it was held at Woodlands Manor Golf Club, at Otford inKent.

Reference: English blind golf association website

Both the Tudor park and Langley golf driving range offers some provision to special schools with lessons for pupils at bower grove special school. Newline learning academy who have a fully inclusive policy also use Langleyrange for their disabled pupils.

Overall local provision in Maidstone and Kent is excellent, with 18 courses within a10 mile radius and over 200 courses in the county.There are ample opportunities for coaching, with schools and clubs being very proactive in encouraging participation for all ages, abilities and gender. More perhaps could be done locally to encourage girls, a scheme run by the PGA in America called ‘dads and daughters’, where girls can play free of charge, if accompanied by their father could be one incentive.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES

TUDORPARK COUNTRY CLUB, HEAD PROFESSIONAL

KENT GOLF UNION

MAIDSTONE SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP

KENT GOLF PARTNERSHIP

ENGLISH BLIND GOLF ASSOCIATION

GOLF FOUNDATION

GARY BASON KENT GOLF DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Appendix 1

GOLF COURSES WITHIN A 10 MILE RADIUS OF MY POST CODE

oBEARSTED GOLF CLUB

  • (0.9 miles)
  • Ware Street, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4PQ
  • Tel: 01622 738198

oMARRIOTT LEISURE & COUNTRY CLUB (TUDOR PARK)

  • (1.6 miles)
  • Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NQ
  • Tel: 01622 734334

oCOBTREE MANOR PARK GOLF CLUB

  • (2.6 miles)
  • Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AZ
  • Tel: 01622 753276

oMAIDSTONE GOLF CENTRE

  • (3.1 miles)
  • Sutton Road, Langley, Maidstone, ME17 3NQ
  • Tel: 01622 863163

oLEEDS CASTLE GOLF COURSE

  • (3.8 miles)
  • Maidstone, ME17 1PL
  • Tel: 01622 880467

oTHE RIDGE GOLF CLUB

  • (4.7 miles)
  • Chartway Street, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, ME17 3JB
  • Tel: 01622 844625

oCENTRE GOLF

  • (6.0 miles)
  • Street End Road, Chatham, ME5 0BG
  • Tel: 01634 848925

oOAST PARK GOLF CLUB

  • (6.1 miles)
  • Sandy Lane, Snodland, ME6 5LG
  • Tel: 01634 242661

oSITTINGBOURNE & MILTON REGIS GOLF CLUB

  • (6.2 miles)
  • Wormdale Hill, Newington, Sittingbourne, ME9 7PX
  • Tel: 01795 842261

oGILLINGHAM GOLF CLUB LTD

  • (6.4 miles)
  • Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2AP
  • Tel: 01634 853017

oWEALD OF KENT GOLF CLUB

  • (6.6 miles)
  • Maidstone Road, Headcorn, Ashford, TN27 9PT
  • Tel: 01622 891671

oKINGS HILL GOLF CLUB

  • (6.7 miles)
  • Fortune Way, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4GF
  • Tel: 01732 875040

oUPCHURCH RIVER VALLEY GOLF COURSE LTD

  • (7.1 miles)
  • Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, ME9 7AY
  • Tel: 01634 360626

oSTAPLEHURST GOLF CENTRE

  • (7.9 miles)
  • Cradducks Lane, Staplehurst, Maidstone, TN12 0DR
  • Tel: 01580 893362

oSTRAND LEISURE POOL & PARK

  • (8.0 miles)
  • Strand Approach Road, Gillingham, ME7 1TT
  • Tel: 01634 283707

oWEST MALLING GOLF CLUB

  • (8.4 miles)
  • Trottiscliffe Road, Addington, West Malling, ME19 5AR
  • Tel: 01732 844785

oWROTHAM HEATH GOLF CLUB

  • (9.2 miles)
  • Seven Mile Lane, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8QZ
  • Tel: 01732 884800

oROCHESTER & COBHAM PARK GOLF CLUB

  • (9.7 miles)
  • Park Pale, Rochester, ME2 3UL
  • Tel: 01474 823411

Appendix 2

Full adult and junior golf membership at the Tudor park country club entitles the member to both full golf and leisure facilities [putting and chipping green, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool, two gym’s, sauna and steam room] and the use of seven Marriott country and golf course across the UK.

OTHER COURSES NEAR MAIDSTONE

Weald of Kent

Type / Age / Per Annual
Junior / Under 18 / £150.00
Student / 18 – 21 / £300.00

Woodlands Manor

Type / Per Annual
Under 15 years / £72.00
Under 18 years / £177.00
Under 24 years / £490.00

Chart hills

Type / Joining Fee / Annual
Junior / £375 / £250.00
Intermediate / £375 / £750.00
Student / £375 / £500.00

APPENDIX 3

golf questionnaire for Tudor park

Q1 how many golf members are there at Tudor park? MALE = 298 FEMALE= 165

Q2 how many junior members are there? MALE= 32 FEMALE= 5

Q3 what provision is there at Tudor park for their [juniors] development? Eg an academy, clinics coaching courses /sessions, tournaments, fixtures / leagues.

TP is a county training venue for Kent Golf Partnership

Assistant Pro does 1 sessions per week (6 Week Course, roll-over) (Tuition)

Head Pro does 1 session per week (6 Week Course, roll-over) (Tuition)

TP is no longer in the Kent League due to Lack of Handicap Players

Monthly Medals / Junior Open

Q4 do you run any holiday coaching sessions for juniors / beginners? Eg tri-golf, if so how often and numbers attending.

Trigolf every week in holiday weeks

Medals every week in holidays

Beginners clinics every Sunday

Q5 do you do anything extra to encourage young female participation?

Equality in all promotion for young golfers

Q6 is there any provision for disable golfers at Tudor park? Eg facilities, coaching etc.

No restrictions for non-abled people – full use of all practice facilities

Regular links with Bower Grove school giving golf lessons and Trigolf sessions

Q7 where else in Kent could I find provision for golfers with disabilities? Eg facilities coaching etc, also what particular disabilities would they cater for.

Not sure – speak to Gary Bason (Developmental Manager for Kent Golf Partnership, based at ManstonDrivingRange)

Q8 is there any special funding available for disabled provision, coaching etc.

Yes – Again not sure but speak to Gary

Q9 what is the pathway available for a young golfer to become an elite player? In football for example a player would follow school – district – county – region – national or club – pro academy - pro contract. Could you please detail who [person] would be responsible at the various stages and if there is any funding available.

Yes – Speak to Gary Bason. However, Kent Golf Partnership have funding and provide subsidised group clinics for talented young golfer in the hope that they get selected to play for the county and then England.

GOLF BEGGINNER AT TUDORPARK -

Q10 what links do you have with local schools

Head Pro is contracted to provide all Junior and Secondary Schools in Maidstone (26 Junior, 7 Secondary) with Tri-golf / Golf Extreme and standard golf tuition. Organised through the Asto Sports Partnership.

APPENDIX 4

Sport and fitness: MARRIOTT LEISURE & COUNTRY CLUB (TUDORPARK)

Tel: 01622 734334

Disabled access Yes Disabled parking Yes Disabled access to entranceYes

Disabled access to reception area Yes Disabled doorways Yes

Disabled changing facilities Yes Disabled activity areas Yes Disabled toilets Yes

Disabled social areas Yes Disabled emergency exits Yes

APPENDIX 5

Foundation Degree

This page will provide the necessary information to be able to assess whether or not you wish to apply to participate in the Foundation Degree Programme.

The programme has been developed with the University of Birmingham and has evolved to meet the needs of PGA professionals in an ever-changing golf industry.

The programme is based around various modules. It mixes theory and practice and is assessed by assignments and examinations. Assistants work for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a golf environment, employed by a recognised PGA professional, and study via distance learning. In each of the three years of study and in addition to the assignments and exams, Assistants attend a one-week residential course at the NationalTrainingAcademy at The Belfry.

Coaching Key Subject Areas

  1. Equipment Technology
  2. Sports Science
  3. Business Management
  4. Career and Personal Development
  5. Rules and Tournament Organisation

Graduation from the course after three years can lead to a variety of employment opportunities - anywhere in the world. Currently members of the PGA are employed in over 57 countries and the number is growing as golf expands in more developing countries.

Entry Criteria

From September 2009, the following criteria must be met if you would like to apply for the PGA Foundation Degree:

  • Age 18 by 30th September of the year you intend starting
  • Have an email address and with internet access
  • Be maintaining a handicap of 4 or better (6 for ladies)
  • Have four GCSE passes at Grades A to C including Maths and English Language

English equivalents accepted are:

  • Adult Numeracy Level 2 will count for Maths, and Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number.
  • Adult Literacy Level 2 and Communication Key Skills Level 2. In addition to this you will be required to take a written assessment in English at the ARP in the summer. Candidates who complete this successfully will be accepted onto the Foundation Degree.
  • Level 3 in Communication and/or Literacy will be accepted without having to take The PGA written assessment.
  • Passes at "A" level (grades A-D) or higher will naturally be accepted.