OTLEY Golf Club, which is backing the drive to grow the game, has achieved the SafeGolf club accreditation from England Golf.

Otley, a club recognised for its superb course and setting, has just received the SafeGolf accreditation, demonstrating the clubs commitment to safeguarding children and young people, as well as adults potentially at risk in the sport of golf.

Otley was founded in 1906 and, since its inception, has served the local community by offering sport and leisure facilities that have been enjoyed by generations of local people. It continues to adapt to the changing times whilst recognising its endearing traditions, a policy popular with former and current members of all ages. The Club has a thriving membership and encourages junior inclusion with a structured and enjoyable coaching programme run by the highly respected Professional, Steve Tomkinson.

Peter Clarke, the Club’s Secretary and Welfare Officer, who led the club’s drive to achieve the SafeGolf accreditation, said: “Otley is a great club, it’s very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking. This award helps us to spread that message and to tell people that children are safe and secure here and that we understand about people of all ages who are new to the game.”

The award was presented to Otley Golf Club by Rob Moore, England Golf’s Regional Club Support Officer, who said, “I’m delighted that Otley Golf Club has achieved SafeGolf and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised.”

The SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the sport of golf.

The SafeGolf partnership consists of members from the golfing bodies across Great Britain & Ireland and has been established to help golf respond to the issue of child protection in sport. Its mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk, in the sport of golf.

SafeGolf is firstly, a website – www.safegolf.org – through which anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, can contact the lead safeguarding officer at their national governing body.

Secondly, it is the safeguarding standard England Golf will promote to all their affiliated clubs to ensure all clubs provide a safe and positive experience to children and young people whilst playing golf. The PGA are also using the standards to apply to all their PGA professional Coaches