Malton and Norton hits the mark (From Gazette & Herald)

Malton and Norton hits the mark

MALTON and Norton Golf Club has been awarded the English Golf Union's Junior Golf Mark in recognition of its quality provision for its junior members.

The club received the accolade after it was assessed on various criteria relating to juniors, including coaching standards, club environment and child protection.

Up to 50 of the 130 or so junior members at Malton attend the weekly free coaching sessions available to them from the beginning of May until mid-July. These are organised by Ian Jones and feature coaching from club pro Steve Robinson, who also coaches juniors at Yorkshire level.

Tri-golf facilities - specially adapted equipment for youngsters of primary school age - are available at the sessions. Member Jean McKenzie also runs qualified coaching sessions for girls.

Club secretary Eddie Harrison said: "We had a meeting with an official from the English Golf Union, and it was found that we were already complying with much of the criteria needed to gain the award.

"The coaching nights have proved so popular we've had to put juniors into different groups and stagger them over the evening. We are keen to get youngsters involved as the club's future depends on bringing them on."

Top players Simon Dyson and Emma Duggleby both started as juniors at the club.

Updated: 13:07 Wednesday, June 30, 2004