THERE are a few big changes taking place at the top of the county golf scene in Durham and Yorkshire, with the man who helped spearhead the drive to encourage more people to take up golf moving in to another key role.

Jonathan Ward, the Durham Golf Partnership’s well respected county development officer, is set to become the youngest person to operate as secretary of the Durham County Golf Union when he starts his new role in January.

Confirmation arrived this week that Ward, 42, will replace Graham Hope in the post, with the latter in line to become the Union’s president in 2015.

As county development officer for the last five years, Ward has supported golf clubs and facilities across Durham and introduced hundreds of new golfers to the game as part of the National Get into Golf initiative as well as other schemes.

In stepping in to the Hope’s shoes as secretary, he is keen to see numbers playing the game continue to increase and would love to see the region produce more champions of the future.

Ward, originally from South Shields but living in Durham City, said: "I'm honoured to be chosen as the next men's County Secretary and I look forward to the new challenge of continuing the great work that Graham Hope has done over the years.

“Appointing a younger County Secretary is, I feel, a positive move and a statement of intent which shows that the DCGU is looking to modernise the way that they administer coaching, teams and championships.

"I hope that the experience I have gained during my time with England Golf and the relationships forged with the county's clubs will enable me to bring something extra to the role as I look to build upon the success that teams and championships have seen in recent years.”

Ward’s grandfather SG Ward (George) was a past county captain and county champion in the 1950s, who played off a scratch handicap for many years. He started playing golf himself at the age of eight at South Shields and is a member at Durham City, where he plays off a five handicap.

The changes are also taking place in the Yorkshire Union, which will have an impact on clubs in the northern area of the county such as Bedale, Richmond and Harrogate.

It was also confirmed this week that the newly-formed Yorkshire County Golf Partnership has appointed Tom Freeland to spearhead the drive to grow the sport across the county.

He will operate in a similar role to that which Ward held in Durham. Freeland will work with golf clubs and facilities across Yorkshire to help more people take up the sport and move into golf club membership.

The 34-year-old, living in Cleckheaton, will work alongside England Golf senior regional manager Richard Brown in developing and delivering initiatives and programmes to enable people of all ages and abilities to take up and play golf regularly.

And he will be expected to try to increase numbers playing golf at the clubs in North Yorkshire. He brings an extensive background in sports coaching and business development to his new role, having coached six national swimmers and worked to encourage more people to take up swimming.

Freeland said: “I am delighted to be in a position where I can inspire people to play the game of golf. It is a great way of meeting new people and getting regular exercise in beautiful surroundings, as well as giving families the opportunity to spend time with each other in a fun and enjoyable way.

“I learned to play golf when I was seven when my dad let me have a go of a golf club at the driving range and I become hooked and pleaded for lessons. I believe golf is a sport that helps develop excellent life skills. It can also be played and enjoyed for life.”

Freeland is keen to engage with clubs and facilities across Yorkshire and can be contacted on 07717 228 807.