The Shropshire Golf Centre’s tireless work with junior golfers has been recognised with the public pay-and-play facility receiving GolfMark status.

GolfMark is a national scheme that identifies and recognises junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities, with centres being assessed on three key areas – coaching and playing, club environment and child protection and duty of care.

After a year of hard work by everybody at the centre, from the management staff and PGA professionals to members and volunteers, The Shropshire Golf Centre was presented with its GolfMark certificate at a special event.

James Lever, general manager of The Shropshire Golf Centre, said: “It’s been hard work but all the effort has paid off and we’re overjoyed to have been accredited with the GolfMark award.

“We have an extensive junior coaching programme, and with the GolfMark award it gives parents and guardians added assurance that their children can come to The Shropshire Golf Centre and learn about, and play, golf in a safe and friendly environment.”

The Shropshire’s PGA professionals Tom Gibbs and Mark Sutcliffe, along with the centre’s mascot, Chip the Bear, have been working hard with local schools to introduce children to golf.

They recently staged a Schools Championship for primary schools at the Lord Silkin School. Children from Stirchley Primary, Hollinswood Infants and Juniors, Three Oaks Primary and Windmill Primary School took part in a skills competition, involving chipping and putting.

The Shropshire team has also been into a number of primary schools around the Telford area teaching children the sport using Tri-Golf equipment – colourful plastic clubs and balls, suitable for youngsters.

Sharon Heeley, regional development officer for the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women's Golf Association (EWGA), said: “I am delighted to award The Shropshire Golf Centre with GolfMark accreditation in recognition of the great work that they have done. I have no doubt that their focus on grass-roots development will reap rewards in the near future.”