Investing in the future of young golfers

Clarion Wealth Planning is investing in the county’s best young golfers with a three-year sponsorship of Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs’ (CUGC) professional junior coaching programme.

Keith Thompson, Clarion Wealth Chairman, said: “Investing as early as possible in young players will give them the springboard to the best possible future. Clarion is committed to the concept of supporting young people early on in life, so they can reap the rewards of their hard work as they progress.”

Cheshire is the fourth biggest golfing county in the country with over 90 clubs affiliated to its Union. They will be asked to put forward their most promising junior golfers.

Selected players will be offered four lessons, per half term with a professional coach. A total of 24 lessons in the year.

The coaching will begin in the autumn, after the busy summer competition season closes.

The programme – supported by Clarion – will be run at a maximum of two locations across the county by Mark Johnson, PGA professional at Styal Golf Club.

David Durling, Chairman of the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs, said: “Previously we have focused on the 14-18s age bracket, but we recognise by that time they need to be better, if we are to compete against other counties, and produce future world-class stars. By offering this opportunity to 11–13-year-olds, they will be on the right track working with some top coaches from an earlier age.

“Few young players make it to Tour but learning to play golf well gives lifelong value. It teaches self-discipline, concentration, connections, social skills, and a love of fresh air.

“It is a great leveller; I can enjoy a great game with a decent county player – even at my age – with the handicap system. Try that with tennis!”

The sponsorship programme will be just one of a number of regular fixtures in the Clarion golf calendar.

This month, we fielded an all-female team with their male pro at this year’s Hale Golf Club Pro Am and brought home the prize for the longest drive.

Clarion’s Business Development Director John Winstanley and Head of Advice Delivery Alistair Cartwright are looking forward to teeing off at The Cheshire Union of Golf Club Life members’ day at Vicars Cross Golf Club in September.

Clarion are entering a team under the watchful eye of non-playing captain – and caddy – Clarion Chairman Keith Thompson. Clarion are regular sponsors of the CUGC Life members’ events.