A NEW era of golf in Wiltshire has been launched after a decision was made to merge the county’s previous two associations.

Wiltshire Golf will now oversee the development of golf in the county, with a 12-strong board of directors in place to drive the sport in the right direction.

It is hoped the merge will encourage more players to compete in competitions across the region, while more youngsters are being targeted to increase participation levels at youth level.

Formed on January 1 of this year, Wiltshire Golf was officially launched on Sunday, March 25, at Cumberwell Park.

Players and officials took part in a six-a-side stableford competition, with all age levels competing.

Operations director Scott Talbert was also on hand to introduce the club’s new logo, reveal the organisation’s new website and introduce its four main partners.

Talbert said the decision was made to avoid two organisations doing the same job.

He said: “Our main reason behind the decision was every governing body in sport is under one organisation – the FA, the ECB, the RFU and so on.

“We had two organisations doing the same thing, so it made sense to merge.

“Golf is a game played by men, women, boys and girls. And anybody can play under the same rules.”

Part of Wiltshire Golf’s new aim is to introduce more girls to the sport through their Girls Golf Rocks programme.

It is hoped the programme will attract beginners to the sport and encourage more youngsters to learn a new sport, get active and meet new people.

Last year, the programme attracted 50 girls with 40 of those deciding to start a coaching course after.

And courses including Tidworth Garrison, High Post, Wrag Barn, Salisbury and Broome Manor will host taster sessions this year.

“We want to visit schools and encourage more youngsters to pick up a club,” said Talbert. “We’re particularly underrepresented in girls’ events.

“The programme encourages any girl to visit a course, hit a ball and a have some fun.

“The best way to start is by visiting your local course and talking to the professional.”

In its first year, Wiltshire Golf will host between 80 and 90 events.

And Mr Talbert is eyeing increased participation across all levels.

He added: “At the end of this year I want to look back and see we’ve managed to get more people playing in our competition.

“Wiltshire is the second smallest county in the country for golf, we only have 26 golf clubs.

“But every member of those courses is a member of Wiltshire Golf. And we want to see them playing with us, especially kids.”

The organisation is also seeking a new financial director to join its board.

Twelve members, led by chairman Ray Smith, currently sit on the board – though the four committees that sit under it are forever recruiting new members.

Those interested in joining or with questions about starting golf should contact secretary@wiltshiregolf.org for further information.