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Ferndown golf coach in the running for national award

A FERNDOWN golf coach could soon be crowned development coach of the year.

Darren Stratman from Ferndown Forest Golf Club has been put forward for the participation and development coach of the year award at England Golf Awards 2025.

The awards evening on April 2 at The Hilton in Manchester will recognise 12 outstanding winners – players, clubs, facilities and counties – who have all gone above and beyond over the past 12 months to help elevate the profile of the game.

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Darren, who runs a junior academy, has been recognised for his work to get young golfers interested in the game.

Some of his students have already seen success, with some representing Dorset at county level.

Darren also runs a range session for disabled golfers who have suffered brain injuries or strokes, which has subsequently led to running a golf day for these golfers.

He has also launched a charity called Boundless Golf, whose mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through golf, fostering a sense of belonging, confidence, and well-being.

They aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can develop not only their golf skills, but also lifelong friendships and a positive outlook on life.

Boundless Golf was established with a heartfelt mission to break down barriers and provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of golf.

10 awards were open to the public for nominations before an expert panel of 50 judges, comprising England Golf staff as well as key industry and media colleagues, picked the finalists.

England Golf Chief Executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “Our awards night is always an important and special evening for us, as we recognise and applaud all the wonderful things that are happening around the country to help our great game take strides forward.

“Everyone who was nominated should be proud of what they have achieved, and in what is a tough but ultimately rewarding task every year for our judging panels, we will welcome our remarkable finalists to Manchester in April to crown some of those outstanding achievements on what will no doubt be a night to remember.”

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