Blyth Golf Club are really seizing the initiative in the drive to encourage more young golfers by organizing the Blyth Festival of Golf. The event, which came about as a result of the club's junior development programme, will be staged on Tuesday, July 31st and Wednesday August 1st. Blyth set up their junior programme seven years ago after realizing that urgent action was required to get more youngsters, especially girls, to take up the game. Part of the development programme is the staging of this unique Festival of Golf - a major initiative driven by the club in partnership with Blyth Valley Borough Council and Blyth and Bedlington Schools Sports partnership - with free admission to visitors. The festival is designed to provide two days of fun and sport for young people from throughout the region by promoting and developing grassroots golf for youngsters of all ages who may be interested in playing golf. Blyth's junior liaison officer, Steven Ellis, said: "All golf clubs who care about young people and the future of the game are invited to take part. It is a rare opportunity to meet and discuss mutual issues and concerns while involving young people in an atmosphere of sporting camaraderie." During the two days, club officials will have the chance to meet up with the English Golf Union's Richard Brown (Northern England Regional Officer) and the Golf Foundation's John Wood (Northern Regional Officer). Topics for discussion are children in golf, sources of funding, Golfmark and many other issues. Young boys and girls from all parts of Northumberland will be invited to participate via school links, press releases and The Blyth Valley Summer Sport Programme. Activities commence at 10am and conclude at 7pm each day. A tented village will accommodate golf clubs, golf club suppliers and other exhibitors including the EGU and Golf Foundation as well as the sponsors' wall. PGA professional tuition will be provided on an inflatable driving lane while there'll also be a Tri-golf "have a go" area and a nine-hole pitch and putt. Along with putting competitions, the Blyth and Bedlington Schools Challenge Final will be played on the afternoon of August 1, followed by a presentation in the tented village. As a consequence of the development programme, Blyth GC has increased junior numbers to almost 100 and, encouragingly, junior girl numbers have also increased, though further development is required to continue the success seen to date using new initiatives. To support this unique event the club are approaching local businesses and other golf clubs to support their efforts. If you are interested in taking part or would like to make a contribution towards the event, contact Steven Ellis by e-mail at: steve.ellis123@tiscali.co.uk or Jim Wright at: clubmanager@blythgolf.co.uk. Further information will be posted on the club website at: www.blythgolf.co.uk The club have also added a further event to the festival with the Blyth Young Persons Open being staged on Thursday, August 2. Entries are limited so the club is encouraging competitors under 21 before the April 1 this year, with official club handicaps, to place their £3 entry to the club manager as soon as possible. The competition's format is strokeplay with numerous prizes available to several different age groups. More details are available on the club website. | 
