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England Golf Partnership tees off with Age UK Lancashire

A new project in Lancashire aims to show that it is never too late to take up golf – or enjoy its health benefits. The national Get into golf campaign has teamed up with Age UK Lancashire to offer an easy route into the sport.

If successful the initial stage of the project will be rolled out around the country– involves the Southport Golf Academy and its PGA professional James Carpenter. The first taster session takes place at the West Lancashire Wellbeing Centre on 1 October and will tie in to Older People’s Day.

It is a scheme aimed at an older generation who may never have played golf or want to return after playing in their younger days. Golf hope the activities will enable people living with dementia and their carers to continue playing by creating a club that understands their needs at the Southport Academy. Southport's facilities include a driving range, nine-hole par 3 course and practice area.

Follow up coaching and golfing opportunities are to be offered as part of the pilot scheme while Dementia Friends information and awareness training is also being given to all volunteers, staff and golf professionals taking part.

Jamie Blair, Disability Officer for England Golf said:

“Golf offers many benefits to people of all ages and abilities and this project aims to show that it is a sport that can be enjoyed in later life, bringing new friendships and healthy exercise. We also hope to promote golf as a recreational tool with regular physical activity benefiting those with the early onset of dementia, giving them greater independence and helping them reintegrate within their local community. It is also about educating the golf clubs and professionals about a condition which can affect us all and how their positive attitude towards it can ensure golf is delivered in an open and welcome environment.”

The project will also be supported by the newly-formed Lancashire County Golf Partnership and the Golf Foundation.

Carol Sharples, Age UK Lancashire Divisional Manager- Central, said:

“At Age UK Lancashire we’re always looking for new ways for older people to get involved in their local community or continue an activity that they may now find more challenging and we believe this is the perfect opportunity for older people in the area to hone their skills!”

The drop in sessions at the West Lancashire Wellbeing Centre, in Moorgate, Ormskirk are being held on October 1 and 8 from 2.30pm-4pm. For more information call Age UK on 0300 303 1234.

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire new golfers run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, which work to grow the game. The opportunities include free or low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.

Discounted lessons can cost as little as £25 for a five-week course.

You can follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at  facebook.com/Getintogolf