Golf has long been regarded as a sport that is predominantly male-dominated. However, Cottingham Parks Golf Club in East Yorkshire has taken steps to challenge this stereotype and create a welcoming environment for young players of all genders. The club’s Junior Development Pathway (JDP) has seen significant growth, with numbers increasing from a dozen to over 80 young hopefuls. The success of the JDP can be attributed to the club’s commitment to making golf accessible to all, alongside its focus on enjoyment and progression. The JDP is not only a program aimed at developing and progressing young golfers but also supported by a dedicated committee of parents who have a vested interest in the success of the pathway. Their membership pathway and offers help make golf accessible to all, alongside introducing a club hire scheme to remove barriers to accessing equipment.
- Facilities at Cottingham Parks include a floodlit driving range, artificial and grass short game areas, a large putting green, two 18-hole golf courses, and more.
- The club boasts the biggest Junior Golf Academy in the East Riding, attracting many juniors due to its comprehensive offerings.
- Regular on-course events and prime-time tee slots reserved for juniors help monitor their progression and provide opportunities for growth.
The club’s family-owned ethos plays a significant role in its success. Ken Hilton, junior organiser at Cottingham Parks, said: “The club is family-owned and I think that family ethos comes through – we have club members raising funds for the juniors. We have fathers, daughters, grandfathers, sons and grandsons all playing with us; it’s a real family affair.”
A key aspect of the JDP is its focus on enjoyment. Ken emphasized the importance of making golf enjoyable for young players, stating: “First and foremost it’s about enjoying yourself.” This approach is reflected in the club’s activities, such as the annual junior Ryder Cup, which brings together a team of adults and young players for a fun and competitive experience.
| Year | Number of Junior Players |
|---|---|
| 2010 | around a dozen |
| 2015 | around 40 |
| 2020 | over 80 |
The JDP has also seen significant growth in the number of female players. Ken stated: “We’d like more girls playing – we’ve got five or six now and would love to see that number double this year or next.” This growth is a testament to the club’s efforts to make golf more inclusive and welcoming to all.
“If you can hold a club and you’re keen to play, you’re welcome to join us,” said Ken Hilton, junior organiser at Cottingham Parks Golf Club. This message reflects the club’s commitment to making golf accessible to all, regardless of age or ability.
The club’s facilities and activities are designed to cater to the needs of young players. The floodlit driving range, artificial and grass short game areas, and large putting green provide a safe and enjoyable environment for juniors to practice and develop their skills. The two 18-hole golf courses offer a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all abilities. The club’s success can be attributed to its dedication to making golf accessible and enjoyable for all. The JDP has provided a platform for young players to develop their skills and progress in the sport. The club’s family-owned ethos and commitment to making golf a family affair have also played a significant role in its success. As Ken Hilton said: “It’s my job, and the committee’s job, to make sure the juniors enjoy every single one of those six months or so.” The club’s focus on enjoyment and progression has created a welcoming environment for young players, and its growth is a testament to its success. The club’s junior development pathway has been supported by England Golf, which has provided valuable resources and guidance to help the club develop its program. The support has been instrumental in helping the club create a comprehensive and inclusive program that caters to the needs of all young players. Ken emphasized the importance of the club’s community involvement, stating: “We have local businesses supporting us and we have club members raising funds for the juniors. We have fathers, daughters, grandfathers, sons and grandsons all playing with us; it’s a real family affair.” This community involvement has helped create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the club’s members and junior players. The club’s success is also reflected in its achievements. The annual junior Ryder Cup is a highlight of the year, bringing together a team of adults and young players for a fun and competitive experience. The event has seen significant growth over the years, with more and more players participating each year. The club’s commitment to making golf accessible and enjoyable for all has created a welcoming environment for young players. The JDP has provided a platform for young players to develop their skills and progress in the sport. The club’s family-owned ethos and commitment to making golf a family affair have also played a significant role in its success. In conclusion, Cottingham Parks Golf Club’s Junior Development Pathway has been a resounding success, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills and progress in the sport. The club’s commitment to making golf accessible and enjoyable for all has created a welcoming environment for young players, and its growth is a testament to its success. As Ken Hilton said: “If you can hold a club and you’re keen to play, you’re welcome to join us.” This message reflects the club’s commitment to making golf accessible to all, regardless of age or ability.