England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson (right) believes clubs have realised that membership is releveant and affordable since the COVID-19 crisis.
Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

ENGLAND Golf chief executive JEREMY TOMLINSON has written to club members across the country on the latest developments since the relaxing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions allowed the sport to resume.

IS IT really only four weeks since golf was given the green light by government?

We are just at the beginning of our journey back, yet there’s been so much activity crammed into this first, hectic month.

I’m pleased to say that the positivity buzzing around our beloved game continues to keep us all going through extraordinary times.

Adrenaline has helped conquer fatigue.

For me, it’s been heartening to see a value once again being placed on membership – and the visitor golfer experience – since we all pulled together to re-open courses and facilities on May 13.

England Golf exists to promote the amateur and club game. And I am proud to bang the drum on our game’s behalf.

But we should not make the mistake of undervaluing our game. Too often our sport has sold itself short.

It may have been largely accidental, but the spike in recruitment over last few weeks has proved two key things – golf club membership remains relevant and affordable.

Golf has been forced to hit the reset button. But the reboot gives everyone a chance to start afresh and carry this momentum forward.

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has been listening to feedback from members at his own club at Marlborough (pictured) among many others up and down the country

Feedback from clubs ‘very positive’

Each time I’ve been to my home club at Marlborough, visited Bassett Down Golf Complex, in Wiltshire, or spoken to my pals at Swindon’s Broome Manor, I’ve felt the energy for myself.

And, of course, through the national golfing network, I know this story has been repeated up and down the country.

But we must also take a breath as not everything in the garden is rosy.

Clubhouses remain closed and cash is tight. So I’m not naïve to the prospect that the toughest times might yet lie ahead for many of our clubs.

Re-forecasting, re-evaluating, re-planning and, in some cases, re-inventing are all potentially the order of the day, as we look to maximise opportunities and stabilise finances while coming out of this crisis.

Since my last letter, there have been updates on practice facilities, driving ranges and group coaching.

Within a week we can all look forward to visiting our pro shops, as non-essential retail re-opens from Monday…

So, if there are a few pounds burning holes in pockets, we can once again chase the “Holy Grail” of a perfect game – with the help of another new club or piece of equipment!

There’s no doubt too that the return of fourball play from June 1 has also been a game-changer for golf clubs.

I can’t stress to you how much hard work went on behind the scenes to allow golf to quickly reach a point where fourballs were considered safe to resume under government regulations on outdoor recreation.

‘Fourballs have helped clubs enormously’

For clubs, fourball play has helped reduce the pressure on tee-times.

Although, as with many things, I’m well aware of the healthy, ongoing debate on the merits of more players per tee-time.

It felt harsh to turn away golfers or ration slots to golfers already deprived of their sporting fix after months of enforced closure.

Fourballs have allowed clubs to get more members on the course, re-introduce guests and accept visitor bookings.

Of course, there are golfers who enjoyed the freedom of two-ball golf again. I get that.

Slow play is a curse in a fast-moving society and a sub three-hour round is a joy.

For many of our older golfers, there are sound health reasons why two-ball play and limiting social contact remains a wise choice with coronavirus still a threat.

I’ve been pleased to discover so many clubs listening to members and setting aside times for two-balls, while also re-introducing the fourball format.

A “best of both worlds” policy seems to be sensible and right.

The English Amateur Championship for both men and women will be held at Lincolnshire’s Woodhall Spa – the home of England Golf – at the end of July

England championships all set for resumption

Competitions are also an integral part of club life for many members.

After advising clubs and golfers to find their “sea legs” when it came to social distancing and sanitising guidance, I believe the June 1 date was a good time to re-introduce a competitive element to play for those who wanted it.

Safety must always remain the priority. But there’s no reason why competitions cannot take place within the regulations.

Here at England Golf, championship director James Crampton and his team are working towards our own events starting back on July 28

We wanted to offer light at the end of the tunnel by keeping a revised schedule in place. And that shaft of sunshine is getting brighter by the day.

Just as golf clubs eagerly anticipate the day when clubhouses can safely re-open, we too need a change in lockdown regulations to allow hotels to function and our events to tee off.

If the government’s roadmap out of lockdown remains on track, we will hopefully receive good news on that front soon…

In the spirit of golf’s return it was brilliant to see our friends at the European Tour promote a “UK Swing” as the professional game gears up for a comeback.

Likewise, our fantastic England Golf ambassador Justin Rose has proved his class once again by sponsoring seven events to allow many of the LET golfers to play competitively from June 18.

Slowly, safely and surely golf is beginning to find its feet. By continuing to work together, we will soon stand tall.

Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf chief executive

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Ex-Wiltshire county captain Jeremy Tomlinson at the 2002 Wiltshire Amateur Championship at Hamptworth Golf & Country Club. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

ENGLAND Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has penned a second letter to golf club members across the country about the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak affecting thousands of members.

APRIL is the month when traditionally many golfers and their clubs come out of hibernation.

The clocks have changed, the weather improves and The Masters whets the appetite for a new season.

I’m no different to every other golfer in England who loves this great game of ours.

Normally I’d be looking forward to this weekend’s County Foursomes at Chippenham Golf Club.

In a fortnight, myself, colleagues and many friends from clubs around Wiltshire would be ready for the county championships at Tidworth Golf Club.

I’d have been cramming for these ‘exams’, playing with my friends at Marlborough Golf Club and trying to shake off the winter rust.

Instead, we have all been living through difficult times and golf courses remain closed as we all play our part by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

However, golf WILL return. We will get to enjoy our sport again, our friendships, our rivalries and experience all the highs and lows that come as part and parcel of this wonderful game.

Since the shutdown on March 23, the sacrifices we have all made in our daily lives have helped to play a part in a huge national effort to combat COVID-19.

The way everyone in golf has rallied together in these uncertain times fills me with great optimism for the future.

Now is the time for us all to keep the faith and see this through until the end.

Behind scenes work to ensure golf returns at ‘earliest opportunity’

England chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has led efforts to get courses reopened by working with the Government

The way golf clubs and golfers have played their part at a time of national crisis has been exemplary.

The spirit shown has reinforced just why this game is so precious to so many.

At England Golf, we made the responsible call to close courses and we are unwavering in this decision.

This is a stance made in the national interest and validated by government.

Throughout these challenging times, England Golf has collaborated like never before with our colleagues in golf administration and presented a united front during many conversations with government.

This collective approach has continued this week as we work with the Government to try and find the right conditions under which golf can return.

‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ is the message and, as mentioned in my letter last week, proposed guidelines to prepare for when golf returns will soon be sent out to all clubs and counties.

I would like to thank everyone who has dealt with the frustrations of the last five weeks by acting to save lives.

We must continue to do the right thing in the belief that when it is safe for golf to return, we can look back with pride at how our community of golfers handled a situation that turned our sporting world on its head.

Please remain optimistic, keep the faith as we will Play Safe and Stay Safe on the fairways together again soon.

Jeremy Tomlinson
Chief Executive, England Golf

TOMLINSON TO FOLLOW WILTSHIRE WAY AS ENGLAND GOLF BOSS

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England Golf’s new chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson is urging golfers to be patient while waiting for golf courses to reopen. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

England Golf’s chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has written a letter to golf club members across the country about the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak affecting thousands of members.

Golf in England has never before faced so many difficult challenges, and in such a short space of time as it has done since restrictions were put in place to combat the threat of COVID-19.

The unprecedented, but necessary, decision to close England’s Golf courses, from March 23 onwards, has had a profound effect on our game.

This was not a call we took pleasure in making – however, it remains the correct and responsible decision during a global pandemic and at a time of national emergency.

Throughout this period of disruption, however, England Golf has never shied away from facing this crisis head on by working for and on behalf of our clubs and counties.

Much of this work has, necessarily, gone on quietly behind the scenes.

Even though we took the decision to furlough the majority of our staff, a core workforce has remained to act on behalf of our stakeholders and champion golf’s cause – while being respectful of the wider public health concerns.

From the outset, we have worked in partnership with the other home unions, industry partners, The R&A and collaboratively with the PGA, BIGGA and GCMA on a number of golf-related matters.

One example is the production of an essential maintenance guide for greenkeepers in order that courses may be cared for at a level that will allow the game to return when it is safe to do so.

We have also been proactive in our dealing with government and, in particular, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Topics have included:–

• Making our view clear to the DCMS on the issue of public access to golf course land
• Lobbying government on the rateable value loophole that has prevented golf clubs potentially accessing funds

England Golf producing new guides

Of course, there remains a great appetite to discover the date when it may be safe for golf to return.

England Golf will continue to work in support of government and with them to move towards that day.

When golf does return, this great game of ours must be ready to do so in an organised and responsible manner.

The enthusiasm for golf’s return after an enforced hiatus is to be embraced.

However, it is important that everyone who loves the game is guided by the simple message – Play Safe, Stay Safe.

England Golf will soon provide golf clubs with a series of guides to help plan the final steps on the journey back to playing the game.

Marlborough GC’s Jeremy Tomlinson took over as England Golf’s chief executive in January.

While we cannot yet circle a date in the diary, it is right to put in place a proper framework to allow golfers to tee it up at the appropriate time and with the necessary infrastructure already in place.

The following areas will be covered:

• Golfer communications
• Staff and volunteers
• Ongoing business support
• Facility and course management
• Playing the game

It is realistic for golf clubs to expect restrictions on opening of facilities, requirements for social distancing and adaptations to the usual playing etiquette even after any easing of lockdown.

Restarting the game on this basis will be a challenge. There is a key responsibility to balance the issue of public health while at the same time ensuring the vitality of our sport.

Golf will play a prominent role in the nation’s sporting recovery – when the time is right.

By working together, we can make sure this happens with our affiliated clubs and counties at the heart of the matter.

Jeremy Tomlinson

England Golf’s Chief Executive

TOMLINSON TO FOLLOW WILTSHIRE WAY AS ENGLAND GOLF BOSS

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Boris Johnson announcing on TV the lockdown that has led to the closure of all UK golf clubs

GOLF clubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have been forced to close after Boris Johnson announced a lockdown across the UK to combat the coronavirus outbreak, on Monday night.

England Golf responded on Tuesday morning with the advice to all clubs and golf centres, including driving ranges and studios, in the country.

It came after the Prime Minister’s statement 12 hours earlier, which resulted in the closure of thousands of “non-essential shops” across the UK, following the closure of bars, theatres, cinemas and restaurants last week – and with the public ordered to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

In its online statement, chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “It is England Golf’s position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible course of action must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice.

“The government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors.

“This has been done to limit the spread of the coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service.

“Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life.

“We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life.

“We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by coronavirus.”

Scottish Golf have advised all clubs north of the border to comply with Boris Johnson’s

Scottish and Welsh Golf back advice

SCOTTISH Golf appealed to all golfers to respect the Government’s ban on leaving home to play the sport announced by Boris Johnson on Monday.

A statement issued late on Monday night said: “While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear – we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.

“We understand this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

“We know these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines.

“In doing so, this will ensure we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

A statement on the Welsh Golf Union website said: “While golf is a sport with many health benefits, keeping golf courses open is no longer compatible with Government policy, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“This action is vital and we must stay home in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and relieve pressure on the National Health Service.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country and the golf industry but, during this unprecedented period, we will be working very closely with all affiliated clubs.

“Wales Golf staff will be working remotely to support and advise clubs as much as possible.”

It added that COVID-19 updates, industry guidelines and Government advice can be found at Wales Golf’s website.

Anyone with any questions for Wales Golf can email office@walesgolf.org

Golf can still be played in Eire – for now

THE situation is more complicated in Ireland – the Golfing Union or Ireland has two governments to deal with – the UK covering Northern Ireland and the Irish Government covering the Republic of Ireland.

A statement on the GUI website said: “It is the view of the GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union that all golf clubs in Northern Ireland must close their facilities with immediate effect.

“Such closures will have a significant impact on golf clubs, and we continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.”

In the Republic, the guidelines issued last week on playing golf in Ireland have yet to be changed, following the move by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A spokesman said: “The GUI and ILGU have consistently reflected the advice of expert medical professionals in advising our member clubs.

It is anticipated that an update on the period of restriction will be made soon by the Irish Government, after which we will issue an updated statement in relation to golf in the Republic of Ireland.

“You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily.

“We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.”

All four golf Home Unions have already cancelled their national championships in the first two months of the season, plus national squad coaching sessions.

A number of meetings – connected with the introduction of the World Handicapping System – have also been called off in England, Scotland, Wales and on both sides of the Irish border.

Greenkeepers have been told they can carry on working during the coronavirus lockdown

Greenkeepers get greenlight to carry on working

BOTH the Scottish and Irish golf bodies confirmed that greenkeeping staff could still attend work under the Government’s list of essential workers following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown.

The GUI added: “For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.

“All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social (physical) distancing.​

“Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.​

How advice on playing golf changed in a week

LAST week, the UK Golf Federation – representing some 600 proprietary clubs across the UK – had called on the Government to allow golf to continue across the country as a “safe sport” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK Golf Federation called on golfers to sign an online petition to keep clubs open last week before Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country into lockdown

The UKGF seized on Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance’s comments that playing golf was a good way for the public to exercise, providing social distancing and simple guidelines on preventing coronavirus transmission were followed.

Sir Patrick had answered an MP’s question while giving evidence at the House of Commons Health Select Committee, on March 24.

MP Dean Russell asked Sir Patrick who has been advising Boris Johnson and his Cabinet: “If someone wants to play golf, can they still do that if they are not close together?”

The science expert, who has been one of a team advising Government ministers and the Prime Minister on how to contain the COVID-19 virus, said: “It is OK – if you keep a distance.

“We’re not asking everyone to be completely isolated. The specific advice is to avoid close contact.

“A walk is OK if you keep a distance.”

Golf UK Federation chief executive Doug Poole called on golfers to carry on playing – while taking care to reduce risks of being exposed to the coronavirus – launching an online petition to “Keep Golf Open.”

With many clubhouses closing bar and catering services, a large number of golf clubs were keen to remain open to help their businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread around the world in the last three months.

But now golf club owners, managers and secretaries are clamouring to obtain government financial aid packages announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequor Rishi Sunak, last week.

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England Golf and other Home Unions have issues advice to golf clubs in the last 24 hours on how to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19)

ENGLAND Golf has urged clubs across the country to seek out the latest guide on the coronavirus outbreak as more and more sporting events across the country come under threat.

An England Golf spokesman said: “In light of the developing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak – we have issued the following guidance to all our affiliated golf clubs and golfers.

“We fully recognise the need to adhere to the expert advice available and as such we would point all our clubs in the direction of the guidelines set out in detail by Public Health England via its website.

“Details on how best to cope with the virus can also be found via the World Health Organisation website which will provide rolling updates and the best ways to mitigate against the spread of the infection.

NHS England also provide updated and expert advice via its website.

“All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by these expert authorities in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“It is important that we all work together, following the advice of qualified professionals, in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

“This remains a very fluid situation and England Golf will continue to take their lead from the government and public health authorities when it comes to safeguarding our clubs and members – and offering practical and necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of golfers and golf club staff.”

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The expert practical advice that is available from the health authorities and national government should remain the first point of reference for all our golf clubs and golfers.

“This is clearly a fluid and developing situation and we will continue to monitor events as they progress and pass on the relevant information to our stakeholders.

“By working in alignment with those who are specialists in this field, we will be able to take the necessary precautions and provide the correct measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.”

•The European Tour cancelled last week’s Magical Kenya Open and two events in China and Malaysia, will not take place in April, while this month’s Hero India Open has also been cancelled.

Golfing Union of Ireland

GUI issue list of do’s and don’ts

MEANWHILE the Golf Union of Ireland issued a specific list of areas of concern for golfers and golf clubs over the coming days and weeks.

The GUI said in an online statement: “Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air.

“It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.

“All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well.

“As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face,” the statement added.

The GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union also announced that a number of coaching sessions, matches and tournaments were being postponed through March.

The Irish Girls Open Strokeplay Championship (April 3-5) was also called off because of the international field the latter attracts.

The GUI issued the following checklist for its member clubs to observe:–
•The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind

•Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided

The social aspect of clubs should be curtailed, the GUI added, including limiting the potential for social interaction in accordance with the guidelines issued – including:–

•Siren starts with people congregating before and after are discouraged for the time being

•Prolonged near-contact as may happen during Bridge nights, choir practices and other clubhouse-based activities is to be avoided

•Visitors should be discouraged for the time being – or require some form of screening

•Society bookings where food and social interaction is involved should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance​

•Common courtesies – handshakes and other embraces associated with the etiquette of the game – should be avoided. Participants may “bump elbows” as an alternative

•Social meals for groups in the clubhouse, including at inter-club matches, should be avoided.

‘Increase spaces to cut transmission risk’

The GUI said golf clubs should also observe the need for the following:–
•Increase social distancing through greater space between seating in clubhouses

•Ensure availability of hand-sanitisers and regular changing of towels

•Ask members not to come into the clubhouse with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19

•Regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles – hourly in public places

•Handling of scorecards in club competitions is a vulnerability – committee members are strongly advised to wear gloves

•Since the revision of the Rules of Golf in 2019, scorecards can now be in electronic form (via phone app etc.,) – committees can specify a method of electronic certification if that option is taken.

You can read the GUI’s latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak by clicking here.

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Girls golf will be a the forefront of the Golf Foundation and England’s Golf’s work with The R&A during the Road to the Open initiative in Kent before the 149th Open at Royal St George’s Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Road to The Open will see 125 schools and 25 golf clubs across Kent take part in a string of events aimed at celebrating Royal St George’s hosting the 149th Open at Sandwich this summer.

The R&A’s Road to The Open will encourage young people to join the journey as golf’s oldest championship heads to Sandwich, in July.

As part of England Golf and the Golf Foundation’s pledge to work closely to increase participation numbers, the host county will be putting everything into the Claret Jug’s return to Royal St George’s for the first time since 2011.

The Golf Foundation charity and England Golf – the country’s governing body – will work closely with schools and clubs over the coming months.

The Road to The Open will involve fun events at adventure golf courses, four StreetGolf clubs, 15 school games events and 18 clubs playing in three GolfSixes Leagues.

Taking golf into new locations, supported by the famous Claret Jug on tour, the joint initiative aims to reach out to 10,000 children and young people and spark an interest in golf that can last a lifetime.

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “England Golf is one of our most popular, important, strategic partners and we collaborate well on several different initiatives that ensure an effective player pathway from school to club to membership.

“The Road to The Open is a perfect example of how the two organisations work well together for the benefit of growing the game in England.

“Based on trust and a recognition of each partner’s strengths, we look forward to a new era of joint working in England for the benefit of young people in golf and the future of our sport.”

“There is already a huge buzz around The Open heading back to Royal St George’s for the first time since 2011,” said an England Golf spokesman.

Now the 2020 Road to the Open will seek to involve communities across Kent and help create a lasting legacy for golf throughout the county, he added.

The scale of the project around an Open Championship is unprecedented.

Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf’s new chief executive, is backing work with the Golf Foundation and The R&A to attract more young people into golf

England Golf’s chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “England Golf and the Golf Foundation share a vision for the future of golf with young people at the very heart of our sport.

“At England Golf we are passionate about what we do and The R&A’s Road to The Open project allows us to showcase golf to the next generation.

“We now look forward to developing our relationship with the Golf Foundation in a way that helps encourage more and more young people to enjoy the social, sporting and health benefits associated with this wonderful game.”

The R&A has committed £2 million to the Golf Foundation over a four-year period to support its drive to inspire more young people to play golf and to encourage them to stay within the sport to boost membership.

R&A golf development director Duncan Weir said: “We are pleased to support the Golf Foundation and England Golf in their development efforts and the ‘Road to The Open’ project which aims to introduce golf to a new audience.

“Attracting new golfers is pivotal to the long-term success of the sport and The 149th Open provides the perfect setting for young people to learn about, try and experience golf.”

Wrag Barn junior Ellie Webster was named November’s Hero Handsake winner after spreading the word about junior golf via her golfing_girls_journey Instagram account

Pathway from schools to golf clubs

THE Road to the Open follows on from a number of existing, key initiatives which sees England Golf partner with the Golf Foundation to ensure a player pathway from school through to club.

GolfSixes League has become a major project in growing junior memberships at golf clubs, supported by The R&A and the European Tour.

This year’s events will be enjoyed by 6,400 boys and girls at 475 clubs across the UK, having been introduced in the last three years.

Since 2015, Girls Golf Rocks has helped more than 5,000 beginners learn that golf can be a fun, sociable, cool and athletic sport.

With PGA professional coaching support at each club and the Foundation training existing girl players as ambassadors, the programme will be rolled out by England Golf and the Golf Foundation to 200 clubs across 35 counties in 2020.

Another collaboration involves a dedicated group of Young Ambassadors.

The team of 17 young people has also created the Hero’s Handshake project which recognises juniors who have made a positive impact at their golf club.

Wrag Barn’s Ellie Webster was the winner in November – the 12-year-old Wiltshire golfer used her Instagram account to spread the word about her club’s junior programme including Girls Golf Rocks and her dream to become a golf pro.

England Golf and the Golf Foundation work to create a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy the game at clubs and HSBC Grassroots Golf Centres. Picture by MATT GREAVES

How golf is putting children’s welfare first

SAFEGUARDING issues are at the heart of all work carried out by England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

At HSBC Golf Roots Centres, the Golf Foundation carries out criminal record checks, safeguarding training and child protection policies.

England Golf’s network of club support officers are helping clubs and counties work to achieve SafeGolf status ahead of it becoming a mandatory part of the affiliation process from January 2021.

Together, England Golf and the Golf Foundation aim to ensure a vibrant and successful future for golf.

England Golf is the governing body for the amateur game promoting the sport as a fun and fully inclusive activity for all ages through its work with over 1,800 golf clubs, 630,000 golf club members and the wider golfing community.

National children’s charity the Golf Foundation changes the lives of young people by introducing them to golf.  It provides opportunities for them to keep playing and developing the skills for life that the sport teaches them.

Learn more about their work at www.englandgolf.org and www.golf-foundation.org

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