It’s all change at the top in Essex golf as Roger Attrill steps down after six years as chairman of the County Development Group.
He has handed over to Alan Walker, the owner of the award-winning Garon Park complex in Southend and a PGA Master professional.
Attrill, who was previously the secretary at Frinton Golf Club, has overseen many changes and development during his time in office, working closely with representatives of the county union and association, the PGA, Golf Foundation and Active Essex. Highlights of the past six years include the introduction of 3200 people to golf coaching courses through Get into golf and Swing into Swing; and the successful nomination of three England Golf award winners. Garon Park was the 2013 GolfMark Club of the Year; Tom Hide and Scott Rusbridge of Coastal Golf won the 2014 Participation Award; and Jan Tallentire of Warley Park won the 2015 Participation Award. Stoke by Nayland were runners-up in the 2010 GolfMark Club of the Year.
Attrill’s achievements also included creating and chairing the first Essex Development Forum, bringing clubs together to talk seriously about ‘Growing Golf’. Get into Golf was subsequently launched in the county that summer.
He commented: “The Development Group is now firmly established and recognised as the organisation responsible for the growth of the game of golf in Essex. Our initiatives are producing positive results and showing more and more people are enjoying the game.
“I am delighted to be handing over to Alan Walker, who will bring considerable knowledge and experience to the Development Group, as a PGA Master Professional and a businessman in the golf industry.”
Alan Walker said: “Golf is a sport that can be played and enjoyed at all levels and by all age groups. The Essex Golf Development Group is there to actively assist golf clubs with the creation of new golfers, increasing the participation of golf and retaining those golfers already playing. Together with our County Development Officer, Helen Tarttelin, and our committee representatives we look forward to increasing the numbers of golfers in our county.”
Caption: Alan Walker (left) thanks Roger Attrill for his contribution to Essex golf.
