England Golf reports coaching uptake
22,000 people took advantage of the coaching opportunities made available thanks to grants from England Golf at golf clubs and driving ranges in one year.
Clubs and driving ranges that hold the GolfMark and RangeMark awards as recognition of their junior and beginner-friendly facilities were able to claim the grants, with over 350 clubs taking up the Club Coaching grant between March 2012 and March 2013. This allowed more than 18,000 people to receive coaching from PGA professionals. 6,000 men, women and juniors have gone on to take follow-on opportunities at the clubs.
A total of 352 golf clubs offered coaching to adult beginners. Of this number, 203 offered sessions to members and non-members aged 14 to 25. 111 provided activities to support new adult members or new players to continue their participation. 78 offered sessions for families or priority groups, such as women, black and minority ethnic groups, and those with a disability.
25 standalone driving ranges took up the RangeMark Grant in the same March-March period, involving over 4,300 people, with over 1,100 people taking follow-up opportunities as a result.
“Clubs and ranges are to be congratulated on the way they used the grants to encourage people to get into golf and to play more golf,” said England Golf development manager Richard Flint. “These are very impressive figures.”
GolfMark and RangeMark facilities can currently sign up for the new £300 Junior Development Grant, designed to increase regular participation in golfing activities among juniors.