Retirees create golf course with a difference

Ken Smith became enamoured with the game while travelling abroad

A golf course with a difference is bringing a touch of Japan to a north east town in England.

Within days of its opening in South Shields, hundreds of people had visited Sanddancer Community Japan Park Golf course, one of the first of its kind in the UK.

It was created by retirees Ken 'Zack' Smith, 72, and Derek Winter, who are using proceeds to support a local autism charity.

Described as a "one club, one ball game anyone can play", the sport is popular with millions in Japan and can boost mental well-being, Mr Winter says.

North Marine Park's latest addition was inspired by Mr Smith's travels and is the second he has helped to create in the UK, following on from one he opened while living in Fife in 2022.

The six-hole course, created with the permission of South Tyneside Council, is free to play and has been enjoyed by about 600 people since opening last week.

Park golf is a simplified and more accessible version of golf that sees participants play with a mallet-style club and a ball on a shorter course, with fewer rules.

Steve Wilson and Janet Wylie from West Holborn are among hundreds to have tried out the sport this week

Mr Smith and Mr Winter ask only that donations are made to support SeaChange, a charity helping people with autism and learning difficulties that runs a cafe in the park.

Mr Winter said: "We are both retired and wanted to give something back to the community.

"This is something anyone can play and that was our intention.

"We're not looking to get anything out of this ourselves, we think this is the first Japan Park Golf course in England and if it takes off and becomes popular in other places, that's going to be a bit of kudos for South Shields."