Rishton GC Paths for disabilities and older Golfer

Aim: Our aim is to improve access to difficult areas of the golf course. In winter several areas of the course are inaccessible or dangerous.

Who are we?

We are Rishton Golf Club a small but unique 11 hole golf course in Lancashire. 2026 is our centenary year. The club has a very friendly membership and always a warm welcome for visitors. The course regularly receives praise for the condition of the course and we pride ourselves on having superb greens. The Greenstaff are regularly praised by visitors many of whom return on a regular basis.

The directors and members provide their own time and effort to create a unique atmosphere at the club. 

We are extending our Ladies section with many new and existing members blending to provide a new vibrant section where new members are welcomed.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The reason that we are crowdfunding is simply to enable safer access to the course for golfers across the membership but in particular ladies and ageing golfers. Unfortunately in winter some of the course becomes inaccessible or difficult to access as the course is quite steep in areas. 

To provide safer access all areas we are hoping to provide paths and steps to and from some of the steeper and wetter areas of the course. We have spent lots of time this winter improving drainage to the course improving fairways. This programme of work will further enhance the course.

This project will consist of an extended path from the 10th tee bed. This area becomes very wet in winter. By extending the path here it provides access for golf members and also the equipment without damaging the course. 

Improvements to the second tee bed allows safe access and egress as the area is steep and becomes unsafe to access in wetter periods. Many people have slipped and as a safety issue we have had to move this tee bed to a temporary one during winter.  

Improvement to the third tee bed by adding steps will again assist with safe access.

One further area is from the 4th winter green to the 5th tee would also improve safety as this area holds water and becomes unusable.

Finally access to the 9th green is via two bridges where access is quite steep so safety grids will make the areas much safer.

The reason why we are looking at these areas is to provide our older members, safe use of the course, helping them with their mobility and extending their usable time on the course and maintaining their fitness. We would intend to carry out the works throughout October/November 2025

How we’ll spend the money raised

As you can see there is a big change in levels between the two pictures shown i.e. between the 1st green and the 2nd tee bed. This is an area where we will provide paths and steps to prevent slips and falls in wet weather. This will enhance the course for all members particularly those who are a little bit unsteady on their feet. It will also allow the users of buggies use of the course all year round and impact on their wellbeing ensuring that they are able to have exercise throughout the year rather than just in summer months.

Community impact

On a wider impact the enhancements would allow the general public to use the course for exercise by walking the course. The undulating nature of the course would provide benefits by using the perimeter of the course for exercise.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

All or nothing – this project will only receive pledges if it reaches its target of £15,000 by 22nd August 2025 at 10:03am