A VOLUNTEER at Cardigan Golf Club has been presented with a top award for her work with junior golfers.

Julia Den Hartog was named Volunteer of the Year by the Golf Union of Wales after helping to increase the junior section of the club to nearly 50 members.

She was presented with her award at a special lunch at Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor.

And that was not the only success for the Cardigan club, as it was also shortlisted for Club of the Year and Junior Club of the Year at the prestigious event.

Three years ago Cardigan started working with Golf Development Wales, which has been instrumental in getting the club where it is today. Along with the help of funding from Sport Development Wales and Community Chest for vital equipment and training, the junior section has flourished.

Following the HSBC Golf Roots program, the juniors receive professional coaching by fully-trained volunteers with the guidance of the club’s PGA professional Steve Parsons. Emyr James, the junior organiser for more than 15 years, has seen many of the clubs juniors to go on to represent the club at county level.

Four volunteers are now trained PGA level 1 coaches, Helen Parsons, Aled Evans, Henry Malloy and Julia Den Hartog.

Julia was nominated for her award due to her involvement not only with the New 2 golf junior section but with the New 2 golf adults and her work on the executive committee.

“I wasn’t expecting the award at all because really we work as a team,” said Julie.

“We became a bit of a victim or our own success because we did not have enough volunteers to cope with the numbers we were getting.

“Unless you have the volunteers to support them, you are chasing your tail. Three of us have done the level on coaching course and that has been a game-changer.

“We may not be as good as a pro but we can give them small skills and different types of coaching, ready for him to deliver a proper swing lesson. We are out there in all weathers, making golf fun.”

Cardigan Golf Club is a members-owned club and run by a committee of volunteers. It is a non-profit organisation, with all money ploughed back into the day-to-day running and the maintenance of its prestigious 18-hole course.

Open all year round due to its fabulous location, with views of Cardigan Bay from every hole , the free draining soil allows play when many inland clubs have to close throughout the winter months.

This weekend, the club is holding free taster sessions, after which you can enjoy six lessons for only £15 for children or £20 for adults. The taster session for juniors takes place on Saturday April 29 (10am-11.30am) and on Sunday April 30 for adults (10am-11am). Call Steve Parsons on 01239 615359 to register.