College golf academy set for big tee-off

The venture is being set up with Hagley Golf and Country Club and will offer students the chance to gain a sports qualification alongside professional golf coaching.

Recruitment has already started with a group of prospective students meeting college lecturers and golf club staff at the Hagley Driving Range to find out more about the course.

As well as studying for a recognised qualification, students will benefit from technical golf coaching, golf specific fitness sessions and plenty of opportunities to test out their skills on the golf course.

Golf coaching and membership at Hagley Golf and Country Club will be included with the course.

David Faulkner, golf co-ordinator at Stourbridge College, said: "We know that the development of the course will not only have a positive impact on students but it will also go some way to developing the game as a whole as well as helping to promote a healthy lifestyle. After leaving school, young people are at a high risk of dropping out of sport and it's hoped that courses like this will encourage more golfers to continue with the sport. Some students might not have played golf regularly but we hope that the programme can help to break down traditional barriers to entering the sport."

Paul Johnson, head professional at the Hagley club, said: "We're really pleased that our local college has developed a course specifically designed for young golfers in the region – and hopefully it might encourage others to take up the sport. We're keen to develop the next generation of golfers and students will benefit from making use of our excellent facilities."

Anyone interested in the academy can visit the website atwww.stourb ridge.ac.uk or contact Mr Faulkner on 01384 399641 or via email at david.faulkner@stourbridge.ac.uk