ONE of the country’s leading women golfers is in full swing with her new role at an Astley driving range.

Kelly Tidy is the new chief events officer at Boomers and Swingers.

The 24-year-old is a former ladies British amateur champion and a four-time English amateur champion who has won two junior Ryder Cups and a Curtis Cup with Great Britain and Ireland.

Kelly said: “I have been in the game for 20 years and my main role at Boomers and Swingers is to bring a fresh young female face to the place and to give back to the juniors in the area with my experiences and something they can relate to.

“It is also to start up new ladies groups and get more women in the area playing the game and enjoying it.”

Kelly, who lives in Bolton, says driving ranges are an invaluable resource for budding golfers, having developed her love for the game and her talent at one herself.

She said: “I started playing golf aged five at my local driving range in Bolton. One evening my dad was heading out to practice and I asked if I could pop along with him.

“I loved it straight away and by the age of six I was playing for Lancashire girls, and aged nine was selected for the England squad.

“Driving ranges were a life-saver for my game, particularly throughout winter, when I would spend five nights a week hitting balls and working on my game.

“At Boomers and Swingers we have plans to change the image of golf, starting in the local area.

“With the team’s help I want to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to get involved and enjoy golf.

“My advice to youngsters and people thinking of taking up the sport is to go to a driving range like this, with friends or a family member, and simply give it a go, because you never know if you will love it until you try it.

“And don’t be put off by what other people think. Thank God I went to the driving range with my dad that cold winter’s evening. Otherwise I would not have gone on to enjoy all the amazing things golf has given me.”

Nick Solski, director of Boomers and Swingers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kelly to the team.

“We have clearly defined goals and Kelly’s experience will be crucial in attaining those.

“Our immediate target is to offer innovative products and high levels of customer service to blur the line between golfer and non-golfer.

“Kelly has worked in golf events management alongside numerous companies and has now made the decision to create exceptional golf events in the UK and internationally.”