GOLF: Copleston Centre Sports College have signed a deal with Spalding to enable them to promote golf in a big way.Currently under construction is a golf driving cage with nine bays and should be ready for use by the end of the month.

GOLF

COPLESTON Centre Sports College have signed a deal with Spalding to enable them to promote golf in a big way.

Currently under construction is a golf driving cage with nine bays and should be ready for use by the end of the month.

It will be known as the Copleston Sports College Ben Hogan Golf Academy, and it will be one of the first of its kind in the country.

Dave Little, the director of PE and sport at Copleston High School and the Sports College, said: "We are trying to get golf onto the curriculum. There are 1,800 pupils at Copleston and hopefully we can produce a golfer or two that will go all the way in the future."

Alistair Spink, the head professional at Hintlesham, will head the team of three PGA professionals supported by his assistant Joe Maskell and Fynn Valley's Kelvin Vince.

During the day time the golf driving cage will be used by the pupils, but in the evenings and weekends it will be open to the public.

Spink will be running the coaching in the evenings.

David Leach, the sports development officer at Copleston who plays off a seven handicap at Hintlesham, said: "It's going to be an exciting venture. Most golfers struggle to find somewhere to practice during the winter.

"There will also be an opportunity for people to try out all Spalding's new equipment."

The official opening will probably be next month with Spalding hoping to get one of their contracted European Tour professionals down to Ipswich to do the honours.

Scott Lucas, the managing director of Spalding Sports UK Ltd is a Copleston High School old boy, said his company is keen to become involved at grass roots level.

"I first became involved when Copleston opened their sports college and introducing golf seemed a logical step to take.

"Ben Hogan, who had a classic swing, was always keen on the fundamentals of the game, and we will try and instil some of that thinking into the kids.

"I've wanted to support my old school and now I'm in the position to do something."

Initially Spalding have signed a two-year deal with a five-figure investment, but Scott is confident that will be extended for years to come.

The Copleston Centre Sports College opened a year ago with the focus on golf, netball, girls football and tennis and all the sports have specialised coaches.

Dave Little said: "It has already had the desired effect. The school has done much better in the past 12 months than it had done in recent years."

David Leach added: "The progress we have made in the past year has been incredible. Twelve months ago it seemed a million miles away."