Douglas Golf Course has been accredited by GolfMark, the national scheme that identifies and recognises junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities. The award marks the culmination of many months’ work by three members, John Slattery, Colin Home and Stephen Moore, supported by Douglas Golf Course professional Mike Vipond, and reflects the growth in the club’s junior section which now numbers some 70 members. To achieve GolfMark status golf clubs are assessed in three key areas: coaching and playing, club environment (including sports equity and ethics) and child protection and duty of care. The accreditation which, for junior players, serves to create a structured pathway into adult membership comes at a time when the Douglas Borough Council-owned course has embarked on an upgrading programme that will see further drainage works to the first and second fairways to increase playability and the laying of buggy paths. The club, which numbers some 300 members, recently attracted a record entry of 169 for this year’s Douglas Town Cup, fielded a team in the Isle of Man Golf Union scratch league that won the contest by 15 points and will be hosting the Isle of Man Ladies Golf Championship in July 2011. The course is also scheduled to feature in Pitchcare, a turfcare industry publication, with maintenance details provided by head greenkeeper, Murray Jones. Professional Mike Vipond has also introduced a new reduced fee structure; from now until April 1 2011 the fee for senior citizens will be ?77.50, adults ?155 and juniors ?18. The membership fee has been waived during the same period. Leisure services committee chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘Mike Vipond and Murray Jones and their respective teams are to be congratulated on their commitment to providing such high quality affordable golf in the heart of Douglas. I am also delighted that thanks to the dedication of members the club has gained GolfMark accreditation which recognises the important role Douglas Golf Course plays in the community.’ - Ends -