Ely City Golf Club has become the first club in Cambridgeshire to achieve the new-style national GolfMark award in recognition of its work to improve the golf club.

GolfMark, which was re-launched to reflect the changing landscape of the industry, is England Golf’s official seal of approval for those successfully working to develop their business.

One exciting recent development is the link that the club has formed with the Golf Foundation (www.golf-foundation.org) who provide funding and support to help young people enjoy the game.

This has led to the club becoming an official Golf Roots Centre for junior development and will now offer coaching through their PGA Professionals to the pupils of Witchford Village College.

Andrew George, head professional, said: “It’s a great achievement for the golf club to gain the new GolfMark award. Here at the Professional Shop we are very proud of how our hard work has contributed to this national award. Along with my two fully qualified PGA assistant professionals, Paul Geen and Jamie LeBrun, we are keen to promote golf here at Ely and help grow the game through our comprehensive coaching programmes. Now we have been recognised for our forward-thinking approach we are excited to see what the future holds and look forward to helping new and existing golfers”

Mark Smith, Golf Coordinator for Ely City Golf Club, added: “Being the first club in Cambridgeshire to receive the new accreditation is great news to all those at Ely City Golf Club and testament to the hard work of the staff, committee and members who have made the club such a vibrant place on and off the course.”

The award was presented to the golf club by Marc Smith, county golf development officer for Cambridgeshire, who said: “There is a great team of people at the club all working together and credit to Mark Smith, the golf coordinator, for driving this achievement.”