Academy course encourages juniors
LSB May 2005 saw the opening of a junior academy par-three course at the Stockwood Park Golf Centre in Luton, UK.
The Kevin Duggan Golf Academy was established in memory of a keen young golfer who was killed in a car accident in 1999. "This project has taken a negative point in our life and turned it into a real positive, by giving underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in the sport," says Declan Duggan, Kevin's father. "The local council is offering free coaching and we have already increased the junior sector of the Centre from just seven players to 47." The design was undertaken by Creative Golf Design's Kenneth Moodie and former Ryder Cup player Ken Brown. Luton Borough Council provided the land and its staff maintain the course, minimising costs.
Nike Golf has assisted with equipment and clothing. Moodie says: "It is very rewarding to work on a unique project like this, bringing golf to disadvantaged youngsters.
With nine holes of between 50-100 yards, the course introduces juniors to the sport."
This article first appeared in issue 1 of Golf Course Architecture, published in July 2005.