Fairfield Golf & Sailing Club in Lancashire, which is backing the drive to grow the game, has won a national award from England Golf.

Fairfield, one of the oldest established golf clubs in the Manchester area, has just received the GolfMark award, an official seal of approval for clubs which successfully develop the game.

The club, which is notable for its parkland setting around a reservoir, dates back to 1892. It no longer offers sailing – the name is historic – but it has moved into the 21st century with a go-ahead approach to golf which has included the development of a new clubhouse with excellent function facilities.

Last year members also approved a major constitutional change to introduce a management board and a more business-like way of running the club.

Club President Dave Mushet said: “Fairfield is a great club, it’s very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking. This award helps us to spread that message.  Having also achieved Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status, we have firmly set our sights on reaching out to the local community.”

The Board’s Chair, Phil Murray, added: “Golf is one of the few games the whole family can play together regardless of age, fitness, background or experience.  The game’s emphasis on honesty, integrity and good sportsmanship helps our juniors develop lifelong skills and encourages responsible social behaviour.”   

GolfMark is awarded to clubs which successfully work to develop the game in four ways:

• By attracting new members and encouraging existing members to play more
• Using practical business planning to develop the club
• Offering coaching and playing opportunities for all golfers
• Ensuring safeguarding policies are in place

England Golf Regional Manager Jason Budd, commented: “I’m delighted that Fairfield Golf Club has achieved GolfMark and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.”

The GolfMark award was developed by England Golf and also integrates Sport England’s Clubmark award - a national standard for quality sports clubs recognised across the country. 

GolfMark brings a number of benefits to clubs including raising awareness, access to funding, business and marketing support and training opportunities for staff and volunteers. To find out more visit www.golfmark.org

For more information about the club please contact

Carole Phillips,

Club Secretary

0161 370 0088

manager@fairfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Caption: The 13th green at Fairfield Golf & Sailing Club.