the  21 clubs in the County, have achieved the SafeGolf accredition, the sport’s safguarding standard,

from England Golf.

The award was presented to Bedfordshire golf representatives Kim Burnage and David Hawkins by England

Golf’s Club Partnership Officer Matt Draper who says: “I’m delighted that Bedfordshire has achieved SafeGolf

and that its efforts to grow the game and safeguard its participants can be nationally recognised.”

With a focus on furthering the interests of amateur golf in the County, Bedfordshire Golf provides guidance

and assistance to all affiliated clubs on a range of issues as well as organising events to develop young golfers and

test their skills against other counties and at national level.

SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those

participating, working and volunteering in the sport at amateur level, with the Professional Golfers’ Association

using the same high standards to apply to their professional coaches.

Says Bedforshire Golf County Secretary Mr Hawkins: “SafeGolf is firstly a website – www.safegolf.org – providing an

easily accessible conduit through which anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or

practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, can contact a lead safeguarding officer at their national

governing body. This is a further measure to ensure that everyone provides a safe and positive experience to

children and young people whilst playing golf.”