Schoolchildren in Cardiff joined sports minister Alun Pugh and Cardiff Council to celebrate a windfall of almost £60,000 from the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund. The money has been granted to Cardiff Council to upgrade and improve the 4.7-hectare pitch-and-putt course at Heath Park in order to inspire a new generation of golfers.
The cash infusion will contribute greatly to creating better facilities at the 12-hole facility. Training and coaching activities will be provided to assist in encouraging budding golfers to participate in sporting activities and seek to capitalise on the staging of the 2010 Ryder Cup at Newport’s Celtic Manor.
The Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund is a £2m investment into grassroots golf provided by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of the winning 2010 Ryder Cup bid. The fund aims to create more opportunities for people across Wales to take part in the game.
One of the main obstacles to drawing new people to the game is the massive chasm between beginners’ lessons on the range and the intimidating arena of a full-size 18-hole golf course. That is why investment is being concentrated on pitch-and-putt courses like Heath Park and other starter facilities.
Councillor Nigel Howells, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said, “The development at Heath Park provides the ideal opportunity for people of all ages, particularly juniors, to develop their skills in the game.
“There are not many golf facilities across Wales that are appropriate for young people or beginners, but the pitch-and-putt at Heath Park is perfect for those who are unfamiliar with the game of golf and would like to have a go.”
Talking about the project in Cardiff’s Heath Park and other projects across Wales, sports minister Alun Pugh said, “The Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund aims to create opportunities for beginners to get into the game.
“I’m particularly pleased that this project provides people – all ages and all communities – the chance to play golf and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle in a city location.”
Jon Maidment, operational manager in the culture, leisure and parks service, said, “We are thrilled to receive this funding as we have been looking for support for this project for some time.
“Now the green light has been given with funding, full planning permission will be sought. With approval, we can enhance the facilities and services we provide to make the course a better sporting facility for the public, both young and old, to enjoy using.”
Cardiff Council’s Heath Park pay-and-play facility currently partners with golf and sport organisations, including Golf Development Wales and the Sports Council for Wales’ Dragon Sport programme, in a joint effort to increase the number of women, girls and juniors enjoying the sport.
There are currently 76 primary schools in Cardiff involved in the Dragon Sport programme. Ryder Cup Wales is currently assessing the latest round of applications after receiving further bids from organisations such as local authorities and golf clubs from across Wales.
*Reproduced by courtesy of the Western Mail
