Aitken claims top spot in EGU's grass roots final

Graeme Aitken from Coventry held off a strong challenge in the English Golf Union's Associate Membership National Final at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, Lincolnshire on October 3rd to become the 2001 champion.

Graeme playing off a handicap of 13 scored an impressive 40 Stableford points over the testing Bracken Course, only just beating Andrew Lomax from Bolton on countback over the last six holes. Commenting on his victory the newly crowned Associate Membership champion said: "My score could have been even better if a few more putts had dropped."

The Associate Membership Scheme, developed in 1997, has now helped over 12,000 non golf club members to 'get into golf' - educating them on the rules & etiquette, providing access to golf clubs normally closed to the non-golf club member and allowing them to gain recognition of their ability through an official EGU/ELGA Associate Membership handicap.

Interestingly, the latest statistics show that of those Associate Members not renewing their membership, 54% have actually joined a golf club - the overall aim of the scheme. This complements the list of golf clubs in England that have membership vacancies for both juniors and adults recently published by the EGU, making it easier for golfers to find their nearest one.

There are several grass roots initiatives the EGU, working alongside the English Ladies' Golf Association have developed and as Richard Flint, EGU Golf Development Secretary states: "We aim to continue to provide more people with an opportunity to experience golf and maintain an easier pathway through to golf club membership for those who require it."