For the second year running Petersfield Golf Club professional golf coach Donovan Hall has been awarded a prestigious accolade for the success of his Operation 36 junior golf programme.

Among 1,400 Operation 36 coaches in 625 locations worldwide, Donovan has earned a Top 50 Coach Award. He started the thriving American-based programme shortly after joining the club in Tankerdale Lane. He organises four six-week blocks of coaching all year round, coinciding with school term dates. They include weekly group lessons and popular fortnightly nine-hole events. His programme also caters for adults, and 64 golfers enjoyed his autumn sessions.

He said: “I believe that the Operation 36 model is the most effective method of improving golfers, and furthermore it’s the most sociable and the most fun!”

Club manager Katie Laud added: “This is a fantastic achievement and richly deserved given Donovan’s efforts with this programme over the season. Petersfield is now considered a top 50 facility for Operation 36.”

Donovan said: “I have a real passion for sport and the lifestyle benefits it brings. When I discovered Operation 36, I was immediately captivated by the unique concept whereby all participants play on the course right away.

“Initially they play every hole from 25 yards from the green, and when they prove that they can shoot 36 for nine holes, they progress back to 50 yards, 100 yards and so on. Operation 36 is an ongoing developmental golf programme with a clear road map to take players from beginners to established club golfers and beyond.

“I feel blessed to have had the full support of both Greg Hughes, head professional at Petersfield Golf Club, and the club itself, in implementing the Operation 36 programme at Petersfield. The club’s facilities are ideal for the group training and playing structure. While a lot of the training takes place on the excellent golf range and practice green at the main club, the nine-hole events are played at the club’s second course, South Petersfield in Sussex Road, a shorter and very picturesque 12-hole course.”

Junior Ollie McDonald, now on a 9.8 handicap and a county player, said: “I really like the format of Operation 36 where you are not just playing nine holes from the tees but instead progressing through lots of different yardages. It is also a great way to meet other junior golfers and Donovan creates games that are really fun to play in the lessons for all ages. Donovan is kind, funny and a great coach and I’m really grateful for his support.”

For more details of Operation 36 call Donovan on 01730 895165 or email [email protected]