A NORTHWICH club putting its neighbours at the heart of a drive to encourage more people to try the sport has received national recognition.

Hartford Golf Club has been awarded GolfMark, a seal of approval for how it uses its facilities at Burrows Hill to encourage children and beginners to play.

“We want to blow away some of the wrong perceptions that exist about golf and prove it can be inclusive and lots of fun,” said Tracy Horth, marketing manager.

To do that, Hartford hosted a fun day in September that attracted more than 700 visitors.

It offered free taster sessions for children, teenagers and adults.

Horth said: “The fun day was a huge success in terms of showing to families who don’t know us what we can offer.

“We hope to continue the work we’ve started with schools close to us in terms of developing opportunities for their pupils to play golf, and GolfMark is proof we’re going about things in the right way.”

The club’s nine-hole par 69 course features tees for juniors to make children’s first foray onto the fairway an enjoyable one.

PGA professional Adam Powell, based at Hartford, organises an Academy for the most promising young players as well as hosting camps during the school holidays.

He runs Get into Golf sessions for ladies too.

“Hartford is working hard to break down the barriers to playing the sport by offering value for money fees backed up by sound advice from its professionals,” said Craig Thomas, development officer for Cheshire County Golf Partnership.

“Clubs need to get involved in the community around them to showcase what the sport has to offer.”

To find out more about playing golf at Hartford, contact the club on 01606 871162.