(l-r) John Jermine, Ieuan Wyn Jones, Gareth Hughes and children from Tylorstown

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones recently visited Rhondda Golf Club to give his support to a grassroots golfing project, aimed at encouraging beginners, which has been granted in principle' support to the tune of £70,000.

Mr Jones, who is the Welsh Minister for the Economy and Transport, said, "Wales will experience the direct economic benefits of the 2010 Ryder Cup and that is why we set up the legacy fund, to fund projects like the one here in the Rhondda, to encourage more young people to get involved in the game."

The proposal, backed by Rhondda Golf Club, will see the creation of a short 9-hole Par 3 Academy golf course on a 4.5-acre field that was previously used as farmland. This will involve the construction of nine raised putting greens and nine raised artificial teeing surfaces and the erection of safety netting following the perimeter of the field.

John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, said, "Ryder Cup Wales is helping to build new facilities throughout Wales and is delighted that the new golfers in the Rhondda, many of them starting golf now that it is a "Dragon" sport, will have these marvellous facilities at Rhondda Golf Club. It is a wonderful initiative of one of Wales's oldest clubs to be encouraging today's youngsters to play a game that can give them a lifetime of pleasure."

Representatives from Golf Development Wales were present to offer golfing advice to a group of local school children from Tylorstown who were practicing their chipping and putting skills.

Rhondda Golf Club Junior Leader, Gareth Hughes, has had significant involvement in putting together the project application and is confident that the new facility will attract, and retain, a new generation of golfers. "We have seen a steady rise in the number of juniors interested in the sport and the new facility will provide a fantastic opportunity," said Gareth. "The course is intended to act as a stepping stone for beginners and will assist the club in key areas such as promoting and developing opportunities for junior golf, in particular for girls and women."

11:52am Monday 31st March 2008

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