Wexham Park Golf Centre (WPGC) has been recognised as one of England’s most successful junior golf environments, celebrating a decade of junior golf within the Berks, Bucks & Oxon (BB&O) Golf Union.
With more than 250 junior members and a proven pathway that has produced county players, international representatives and Tour professionals, Wexham Park stands as a model for how to grow and sustain a thriving junior community.
A decade of growth, impact and opportunity
When PGA Fellow Professional Martin Heys took over the junior section more than 10 years ago, just five young golfers were playing in competitions. Today, Wexham Park is a vibrant hub of activity, learning and family engagement—supported by General Manager Sharon Samuel, Junior Organiser Kevin Wilkes, and a club-wide commitment to making golf accessible for all.
The centre’s junior pathway has become one of the most comprehensive in the country, offering opportunities through:
- Weekly roll-up coaching and holiday camps
- BB&O County U12 coaching and Development Tour progression
- Bucks Girls Academy coaching and Girls Golf Rocks
- School sports programmes and SEN/disability school partnerships
- Golf Foundation festivals and GolfSixes coaching and league play
- “Fun Friday” social golf for juniors and families
This inclusive model has helped WPGC introduce golf to hundreds of young people across Slough and beyond, including those with special educational needs.
Producing talent and shaping futures
Wexham Park’s junior programme has produced some of the most exciting young golfers in recent years, including:
- Meghan MacLaren – Ladies European Tour winner
- John & Conor Gough – Walker Cup players
- David Langley – Tour professional
The club has also won the GolfSixes League four times, and twice been invited to take part in the build-up to the Ladies European Tour event at Centurion Club.
A family-first, fun-first approach
Wexham Park’s success is rooted in its culture: friendly, welcoming, inclusive and relentlessly focused on enjoyment. Since changing ownership in 2017 with a vision to create an all-inclusive family golf centre, the junior section has become the heartbeat of the facility.
Regular communication, WhatsApp groups, the Spond app, and strong parental involvement, have helped create a connected, supportive community—so effective that other local clubs have adopted the same model.
Martin Heys, PGA Fellow Professional and BB&O U12 County Coach, said: “Junior golf has always been my number one focus ever since I became a PGA Professional. WPGC has allowed me to create a fantastic junior programme, pathway and golfing community whereby any child can give golf a go and achieve their golfing goals.
“I have enjoyed over 30 years’ service at Wexham Park Golf Centre, where the juniors and families have always been the heartbeat of the facility. My aim has always been to create a fun, friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment with a golfing pathway for all.”
Why this matters
Wexham Park’s story demonstrates what is possible when a club commits to junior development:
- A sustainable membership pipeline
- A thriving family-friendly culture
- A clear pathway from first swing to elite performance
- A community where every child—regardless of background, ability or confidence—can belong
The message is simple: golf should be for everyone, and Wexham Park is proving that every week.
Find out more
To learn more about Wexham Park’s junior programme or to get involved: Website: www.wexhamparkgolfcentre.co.uk Email: martin@heysgolf.co.uk Phone: 07973 327193
