Staffordshire golf club’s fun programme gives game a makeover

Golfer Pete Till is looking the part for a series of fun activities at a Staffordshire club, aimed at changing the image of the game.

The amateur dramatic enthusiast has put on his best frock to take part in a dress down day at St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club, near Lichfield, part of the Hawkesyard Estate.

It’s one of five events the Armitage club is putting on in the week following the British Open, from July 18-22, to attract players who have been put off by golf’s stuffy reputation.

Pete Till, a club member who is set to play the dame in the Rugeley Musical Theatre Company’s panto this year, could be up for the best dressed golfer prize in dress down Friday on July 22.

The director of golf at St Thomas’s Phil Gibson said: “We want to flag up that we do things a little bit differently at St Thomas’s. If people have been put off playing golf because of its image or had a poor experience playing elsewhere, the message is come and give us try.

“We’re a very friendly club where the emphasis is on enjoying the fun of golf.

“We pride ourselves in encouraging a wide range of people to play, we’ve had programmes to get more women and youngsters involved in golf and help non-golfers to take up the game – all of which are part of this fun programme.” he said.

All the activities are part of Midlands Golf Week which aims to keep the spotlight on golf following the British Open at Sandwich, starting in two weeks time.

The events include Rounds Not Pounds where the cost of a round will be the Open champion’s winning score in pence, about £2.80; Need 4 Speed with the shortest time and lowest score deciding the winner; a ladies and kids play free day with FREE Taster lesson and a range of prizes; Golfer non-Golfer where the golfer plays to the green and the non-golfer putts; Dress down Friday: Dress regulations do not apply, prize for best dressed!.

To book or find out more contact Dan Lowe or Phil Gibson on 01543 491 911 or email info@hawkesyardestate.com.

For further information contact Dan Lowe or Phil Gibson on 01543 491 911.

Picture caption: Golfer Pete Till getting into the swing for Dress Down Friday with St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club director of golf Phil Gibson.