The club was one of the first to introduce an innovative membership arrangement that enabled new members to take part in the sport through an affordable payment scheme. And as a result of some shrewd financial management and visionary leadership, Canterbury now owns the land on which the course stands and has been able to make regular investment on the course and the services it offers, even during the difficult times that have prevailed for the past year.

General manager Roger Hyder, who led the club’s push to SafeGolf, said: “Canterbury is a great club. It’s very friendly, welcoming and forward-thinking. This award helps us to spread that message and to tell people that children are safe and secure here and that we understand about beginner golfers.

“Our junior section has been growing steadily and we are pleased to be able to offer opportunities for competitive golf to the youngsters who are developing under our supervision.”

The award was presented to Canterbury by Allison Boozer, England Golf’s club support officer (south-east and east), who said: “I’m delighted that Canterbury has achieved SafeGolf and that its efforts to grow the game can be nationally recognised. Well done for all your hard work.”

The SafeGolf is a partnership of UK golf bodies committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the sport of golf.

It consists of members from the golfing bodies across Great Britain and Ireland and has been established to help golf respond to the issue of child protection in sport. Its mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk, in the sport of golf.

The SafeGolf website, www.safegolf.org, is initially a communication tool available to anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, giving them access to the lead safeguarding officer at their national governing body.

Secondly, it is the safeguarding standard England Golf promote to all their affiliated clubs to ensure they provide a safe and positive experience to children and young people while playing golf. The PGA are also using the standards to apply to all their PGA professional coaches.