'Community is on our doorstep so we should embrace it'

BIG HIT . . . Ryan drives at a football

GOLF has been almost a constant fixture in Ryan Grumbridge's life.

From starting out at the age of 11 at Castle Hawk ­- a club where he would later serve as professional ­- to gaining experience at Manchester and Breightmet, he knows the positives that the sport can bring to a young person's development.

Grumbridge is keen to tap into the talent right on the club's doorstep.

"Look at the Oldham honours' board from years gone by and the best golfers came from the Holts Estate," he said.

"I visited the Hub community centre on the estate and I got a real positive response.

"It's almost seen as Oldham Golf Club is here and the Holts Estate is over there and two shall never meet.

"We have the juniors roll up on a Saturday for £2 ­- it's structured coaching ­- but why no let some of those kids from off the estate come for free?

"I'm looking to organise a fun day for them and get England Golf to come along with a big inflatable net - let them have a go at Tri-golf and some of the games and see how they get on.

"The community is on our doorstep so we should embrace it."

One aspect of the Oldham club that is going from strength to strength is footgolf.

Grumbridge said: "It's very successful and all the members are happy with it as it goes on at 2.30pm-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays which is traditionally a quiet time for golf clubs.

"We're getting stag parties, birthday parties, kids football teams and using the clubhouse when they can.

"It's a quick format, nine holes and is done in 90 minutes."

* TO help celebrate Oldham's 125th anniversary year, Ryan has arranged for Billy Foster, caddy of golf star Lee Westwood, to come to the club on September 21.

"We'll run a four-man team event on the day, followed by pie and peas and then listen to Billy afterwards. I've seen him before ­- he's fantastic ­- and I want to get all the clubs in the area behind it."

Details on how to book will be unveiled later.

• Check out more golf pictures on our picture sales page.