CGDG Press Release
The winter months may be with us – but that is no excuse for not finding time to get out on the golf course.
And a new campaign aimed at promoting a shorter version of the sport highlights the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and exercise without falling foul of the British weather.
Golf Express – which showcases 9-hole golf to inspire busy people to play more often – has been rolled out by England Golf.
The nationwide launch follows a successful eight-month trial in Staffordshire when more than 4,600 9-hole rounds were played.
Clubs across Cheshire are backing Golf Express throughout the winter months.
Alderley Edge Golf Club, for example, is offering nine holes of golf every evening for just £10, while Golf Express is available each day at Styal GC for £9.
Hartford GC is offering 9-hole golf each weekday after 2pm for £10 and at the weekends.
The first nine holes at Pryor Hayes GC can be played after 3pm for £12 throughout the week, while the Ardenne course at Portal GC is the venue for nine holes at a cost of £9. With a Golf Express Loyalty Card, the club is offering a sixth round free after playing five times.
Poulton Park is a nine-hole course near Warrington, with Golf Express costing £11 during the week and £12 at the weekend.
The cost at High Legh Park GC is £9 across the week, with six holes on the short Academy course available for just £2. It is ideal for juniors and beginners and features larger, 15-inch cups on each green.
Macclesfield GC is offering 10 for £10 on a Sunday afternoon, while Woodside GC has a nine-hole par three course measuring nearly 1,000 yards, with a longest hole of 130 yards. Green fees are £6.50 in the week and £7.50 at the weekends. Playing nine holes on the longer course costs £11.85.
Hazel Grove GC, near Stockport, offers nine holes for £12
Sean Hammill, England Golf County Development Officer in east Cheshire, said: “The winter months in this country don’t offer ideal golfing weather, but Golf Express means it is just as easy to play a shorter format of the game so those taking part can still enjoy its many health and social benefits – without being exposed to the elements for too long!
Alison Lysons, CDO for west Cheshire, 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.”
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.
Follow GolfExpresss on Twitter: www.twitter.com/golfexpress9
Like Golf Express on Facebook: www.facebook.com/golfexpress9
