JUSTIN Rose MBE is behind a new venture featuring High Legh Park Golf Club to attract more people into golf.

Warrington-based American Golf and former number one, Major champion and Olympic gold medal winner Rose have joined forces to unveil a new golf academy.

Together they are embarking on a mission to get more people into golf by connecting five million people with the sport for the first time.

The new Justin Rose Academy is part of American Golf’s drive to make golf accessible to all, irrespective of age, gender social background and ability.

Led by a team of highly trained PGA professional coaches and working with all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals, the academy will operate from American Golf’s leisure sites, including Cheshire's High Legh Park Golf Club.

The academy is said to have a firm focus on community engagement, taking the sport off the golf course and into new territories via social media and influencer activities, events and a dedicated schools programme that will introduce children to the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits of golf.

In its first five years, the academy aims to bring 18,000 young people onto the Justin Rose junior programme, with more than 5,000 free lessons for school children given away during the first year.

“It’s an extremely exciting time for the golf. Not only is participation up, but the average age of players has decreased by five years to 41, plus 400,000 women have taken up golf for the first time since 2020," said Rose.

“Encouraging young people to play golf will protect the future of the sport and schools are a crucial part of our outreach.

"It’s our vision to have golf on the PE curriculum. The academy will enable more people to benefit from the social and health benefits of golf, as well as us uncovering future champions.

“Linking with American Golf to launch the academy makes complete sense given its vast network of golf ranges and stores across the UK.”

The academy will also operate from Golf Kingdom Leisure Park in Essex, Rossendale Family Golf Complex in Lancashire, Hemingford Abbots Golf Complex in Cambridgeshire, Wythall Driving Range in Birmingham and Barnehurst Golf Club in Bexley.

Gary Favell, chief executive of American Golf, said: “This is a landmark day for golf in the UK.

"Justin is an extraordinary player and a hugely inspirational ambassador for the sport.

"Our Justin Rose Academy has huge ambitions to accelerate golf participation, while changing the perception of the sport for good and making sure it’s accessible to all.”

Attracting more minority groups into the game is a key focus for Justin's wife and founder of Rose Ladies Series, Kate Rose, who is also leading the charge in her role as inclusivity ambassador at the academy.

“The Justin Rose Academy is for everyone, from beginners to aspiring tournament professionals, our aim is to inspire, educate and show people the real joy that comes from golf – whether that be a round with friends, a trip to the driving range or participation in a school tournament,” concluded Favell.

For more information visit justinrosegolfacademy.co.uk.

Members of the public and schools can sign up for free ‘Get into Golf’ sessions as well as book for group lessons.