Golf drive to find young blood

Neil Plimmer, professional at Mid Sussex Golf Club and a Fellow of the PGA, is leading an initiative which will see schools and youth groups targeted in an attempt to get youngsters interested in the

He explained:"In the current climate we have got things going on which are really positive and you have to do it at local community level," he said.

"Five clubs will roll out the five golf schools. I'm going to be heading that up to try to improve school-club links.

"It is going to be for kids and junior golfers and what we are looking to do is recruit as many juniors - and adults - and get them to membership and retain them as well.

"We are going to go into schools and create a big community link with schools, boys clubs, Brownies or Guides.

"We are going to get away from the traditional six lessons for the price of five and are offer incentives but it is absolutely junior-focused.

"If you get families involved you have got a three or four-pronged approach to sell memberships to mums and dads."

In addition to Mid Sussex the other venues involved are Mill Ride in Ascot, Slinfold Park and Rookwood, both near Horsham in Sussex and Cranleigh in Surrey.

Also for golf results from around the county, see West Sussex Gazette February 18.