DURHAM is one of the counties England Golf has selected to work with new partner Factory Eleven to reach out to communities and create opportunities for more young people to play, learn and volunteer.

The sports business, based in North Yorkshire, is supplying GolfParc equipment to clubs in four counties which are involved in a project to grow participation among young people and their families.

The counties are Durham, Cheshire, Somerset and Shropshire and Herefordshire, where clubs are taking the game out to the community.

GolfParc equipment can transform a wide range of recreational spaces such as sports facilities, parks, school halls and playgrounds into fun and engaging mini golf courses for family play, junior coaching or competitions.

This new approach to encourage clubs to engage with more young people and families in the community is part of England Golf’s children and young people plan, “Growing the Game for the Future.”

Lee Dolby, England Golf Young People Manager, said: “If we are going to create a meaningful impact on the participation of young people we need to work with a greater number of partners who can innovate and educate. We cannot do it alone and that is why I am so pleased to be working in this way and using Factory Eleven’s GolfParc concept.”

Factory Eleven has been involved in many major golfing projects and events over the past 15 years, including a number of Ryder Cup legacy projects.

RICHMOND Golf Club has started preparations for 2019 with the release of exciting new membership packages and 12 Open events to be staged throughout the year.

The 2019 annual membership is available for players wishing to join the golf club priced at £740, making it one of the best value for money deals anywhere in the region. Membership also comes with a host of other perks including use of the new state-of-the-art Golf Studio.

A new Winter Membership package is also available priced at £200. Winter membership runs from November through to the end of March, no winter greens. Offers can be taken advantage of on 01748 823231 or secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk.

Twelve Open events have also been scheduled at Richmond for 2019, starting with two Winter Opens on in January and February followed by the annual Spring Open in March.

Opens 2019: Winter Open 1 (26th Jan), Winter Open 2 (23rd Feb), Spring Open (30th Mar), Ladies Team Open 2019 (Visitors Only) (5th Apr), Senior Mixed Open (24th Apr), Stevie Dee Texas Scramble (27th May), Seniors Open (11th Jun), Gents Open 4BBB (6th Jul), Dales Festival (21st Aug), Mixed Team Open (14th Sep), Ladies Team Open (28th Sep), Autumn Open (5th Oct).