New course joins Golf Express drive in Staffordshire
Staffordshire golf course Beacon Park is backing a national campaign to speed up the sport.
The course can be found in the heart of Lichfield and is the perfect place for would-be golfers who are new to the game or those looking for a place to sharpen up their short game.
Now the pay and play facility is offering Golf Express – which promotes 9-hole golf to inspire busy people to play more often.
As part of the initiative, Beacon Park is offering a loyalty card – which offers six rounds for the price of five, Monday to Friday.
Owned and managed by Lichfield District Council, the mature 18-hole, par 3 course has holes ranging from 90 yards to 110 yards. It is one of the few municipal courses remaining in Staffordshire.
With the council’s Leisure Activity Passport, a 9 -hole round costs just £3.60 (£4.20 without) while a child/concession round with LAP is only £2.60.
Says Lyn Hammant, Historic Parks Manager: “Golf Express offers busy people the chance to play the game in half the time.
“We are promoting this offer to local businesses, with the aim of encouraging office workers to get off the screens and onto the greens in their lunch breaks.”
Find out more at www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk/golf
T
he nationwide launch of Golf Express by England Golf followed a successful eight-month trial in Staffordshire when more than 4,600 9-hole rounds were played.
Ben Johnson, England Golf County Development Officer in Staffordshire, said: “Time constraints are a common reason why people don’t play golf, but Golf Express is designed to break down that barrier and help people to fit the game into today’s busy lifestyles. Playing nine holes still brings many health and social benefits and makes the game accessible to a wider audience.’
Clubs across the country are now promoting 9-hole green fees and offers to players on theGolfExpress9.org website.
Olympic golfer Justin Rose, an England Golf ambassador, often plays nine holes in practice and describes Golf Express as: “A great way to play all the game in half the time.”
On average, a 9-hole round can be played in just two hours, during which time a player will walk two to three miles, take more than 5,000 steps and burn more than 450 calories.
The appeal of the 9-hole game, which is compatible with the Rules of Golf and the handicap system, has also prompted the R&A to launch a new 9-hole championship for amateurs and Scottish Golf is also promoting the shorter format.
Golf Express offers places to play across the country through its online directory atwww.golfexpress9.org, which also features special offers.
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