The Golf Foundation introduced 50,000 kids to golf in 2019 – and says clubs must ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play after restrictions were lifted in England.
Picture: CHRIS VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Golf Foundation has called on clubs not to forget junior golfers as they open for the first weekend’s play in some two months.

The charity, which works closely with PGA club professionals to introduce youngsters into the sport, wants to ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play golf again this weekend.

Many juniors attend special coaching clinics and sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, and – outside of school holidays – are far less likely to spend time at golf clubs during the week.

The Golf Foundations is desperate to help promote a safe return to the game for juniors in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Hertfordshire-based charity has issued guidance to clubs and PGA pro’s to help them ensure the kids are not forgotten after lockdown.

Under the heading of ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!,’ a key message for all clubs is to ensure junior members involved in coaching programmes are given fair access to play the course.

The new guidelines set out ways juniors can be welcomed back to the course, with an emphasis on safety, inclusion, club and parental support.

They also address fairness in play for youngsters, while encouraging non-golfing parents to learn about the game and their local club – the latter potentially growing family interest in golf with new audiences.

Golf Foundation chairman Stephen Lewis said: “Our charity is all about offering opportunity to young players and encouraging everyone at golf clubs to support their development.

“We understand that tee times will be at a premium at present. The adults quite rightly want to get back out there on the fairways, hence today’s message: ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!’

‘Youngsters help keep golf thriving’

“The importance of accessing the course for children has been demonstrated through our initiatives such as GolfSixes League, which have created a love of the game, a desire to play more golf and ultimately an increase in junior membership at golf clubs.

“It’s vitally important that these children and juniors continue to access the game even in this time of restrictions in order to keep golf thriving.”

The Government changed its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” message to allow golfers to play in two-balls with someone from outside their family, or to have a round of golf with two members of their family., from Wednesday this week.

Hundreds of golf clubs in England were able to open, although the Welsh and Scottish Governments, and the Stormont cabinet in Northern Ireland, left restrictions in place, forcing clubs to remain shut because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 32,000 lives in the UK.

With juniors requiring supervision when allowed out on to the course – meaning they would have to play with one adult – and restrictions in place regarding use of driving ranges and practice facilities, the need for safety measures and social distancing is clear.

The head of the Golf Foundation added: “Our new guidelines emphasise the need for safety.

“With this paramount in all our thinking and actions, our sport actually provides a great opportunity for children to enjoy all of golf’s accepted health benefits – while other options are currently closed to them and their families.

“This is now a chance for the sport to engage with new audiences, with the right encouragement,” said Mr Lewis.

GolfSixes helped attract many families new to the game. Picture by MATT GREAVES

GolfSixes Leagues led the way

THE Golf Foundation introduced just under 50,000 young players to golf clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, in 2019.

And its new GolfSixes Leagues have already proved hugely successful in bringing whole families into the game, with extra spending in clubhouses and pro shops.

From the 364 fixtures held last year, 38 per cent of parents were non-golfers who enjoyed a “warm welcome” at golf clubs across the country, the Foundation’s research found.

Mr Lewis added: “We must continue to encourage new families into the sport.”

The guidelines have been sent to clubs and PGA coaches in the Golf Foundation network.

They can be viewed at https://www.golf-foundation.org/clubs/hsbc-golf-roots-centres/don-t-forget-our-young-golfers

* Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at www.golf-foundation.org

The post Don’t forget young golfers Golf Foundation urges in post-lockdown guidelines appeared first on Golf North.

The Horsham GC GolfSixes team celebrate a victory – the new Texas-scramble format for boys and girls is attracting 50 per cent more juniors to play golf at clubs in England

GOLFSIXES Leagues have been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Golf Foundation in attracting new young players and families to the game.

There has been almost a 50 per cent increase in the number signing up as club junior members in England in 2019, according to new figures from the golf charity.

The GolfSixes League format – played over six holes – saw 2,676 boys and girls from 233 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales take part last year.

They competed in 52 junior leagues, with a 49 per cent increase in junior membership at 161 clubs in England – with a 35 per cent increase across England, Scotland and Wales.

The exciting new format was also trialled in Ireland for the first time in the last year.

Golf Foundation research found 59 per cent of parents volunteered to help at league fixtures (38 per cent of whom were non-golfers).

And 88 per cent of family members thought the format was “fun” and more than 80 per cent would like to play more golf.

Encouragingly, GolfSixes is attracting large number of females to take up golf with 28 per cent of all players being girls.

Sports Marketing Surveys Inc research revealed a big jump in participation by boys and girls

The Golf Foundation urges clubs to field mixed teams wherever possible, and is eager to increase that percentage going forward.

GolfSixes brings in £300 a match

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “With the help of Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. providing insight into what makes a great experience for juniors and their families at a golf club, GolfSixes League was designed to help more budding golfers involved in PGA coaching schemes to engage with both the sport and the golf club – and continue as regular golfers.

“We are delighted with the membership figures and the strong interest from non-golfing families.

“The average income from food and beverage at a GolfSixes League fixture has been £300 – a strong indicator of the wider impact of the initiative on the golf club.

“All our feedback suggests GolfSixes Leagues now offers a real opportunity to help change the perceptions of golf among the wider public, which is priceless for the sport and a possible game changer.”

•To read the full report on GolfSixes League research click here.

GolfSixes is getting the thumbs up from players, golf club and the game’s governing bodies. Picture by MATT GREAVES

How GolfSixes can restore some normality for golf clubs after coronavirus crisis . . .

THE Golf Foundation believes the industry can look forward to GolfSixes helping to bring some normality back to clubs struggling with the huge economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendan Pyle said: “Looking forward, it is anticipated that when returning to play golf is possible again – once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted – there will be 98 GolfSixes Leagues across the four Home Nations.”

With 484 golf clubs ready to take part – there will also be smaller trials held in new areas – a total of 6,600 youngsters are expected to take part this year.

On a typical weekend, squads of 12 boys and girls practise together with their PGA coaches before playing other clubs in matches in which they wear coloured team shirts.

The Foundation recognises the coaching build-up and togetherness has appealed to children and parents who experience the same process in football, rugby and hockey – but less so at golf clubs.

The Texas-scramble element of the game allows for all abilities within the same team, as the youngsters all get to play from optimum positions on the course.

The initiative was first launched with the support of Sport England. Matches took place predominantly at HSBC Golf Roots Centres – junior-friendly golf clubs supported by the Golf Foundation.

Now GolfSixes is spreading to more and more clubs in all parts of the country thanks to “substantial investment” from The R&A, the endorsement of the European Tour, and operational support from the four Home Nations, says the Golf Foundation.

Every GolfSixes League player gets three Titleist balls

Every child taking part also receives three golf balls from Titleist – a key supporter of the charity.

Mr Pyle, who heads the Hertfordshire-based charity, added: “We have been further buoyed by the very generous support of The R&A, the charity’s strongest supporter, and the endorsement of our friends at the European Tour.

“Both organisations clearly recognise the potential of GolfSixes League as we work alongside England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Confederation of Golf in Ireland.”

•For more detail on GolfSixes League go to http:// www.golf-foundation.org

GolfSixes League teams get to practice with their PGA coach before matches, mirroring the envrionment of other junior sports like football and rugby says the Golf Foundation.
Picture by MATT GREAVES

The post GolfSixes Leagues starting to revolutionise game says new Golf Foundation report appeared first on Golf North.