Following the distribution of the English Golf Union (EGU) / English Ladies’ Golf Association (ELGA) Golf Club Membership Questionnaire earlier this year, a results booklet has now been produced detailing the main findings.
As this is the fourth piece of EGU/ELGA research that has been conducted since 2000, comparisons from previous surveys have been included and although they only show small percentage changes, the majority represents positive future trends. A gradual progression has occurred within several areas of the game including acceptance into membership, entrance fees and many junior specific areas such as handicapping and coaching. However, one of the most positive statistics to come out of this year’s research is that the percentage of junior membership to total membership has increased from 8% to 9%.
This year for the first time the results will be included as part of the as part of the England Golf research strategy. England Golf is a partnership between the EGU, ELGA and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), with support from the Golf Foundation and Sport England.
The EGU/ELGA are delighted with this increase and Richard Flint, Golf Development Manager comments, “Junior golf has always been an essential part of development work and it is encouraging to see this figure increase, following several years of hard work. However, whilst it is important to continue focusing on junior golf, opportunities for adults must not be overlooked, especially women’s golf. By continuing to work closely with counties, golf clubs and other bodies, we are sure that progress can be made in all areas of the game.”
All affiliated golf clubs have now been sent a copy of the results booklet, which can also be downloaded or purchased online at www.englishgolfunion.org Specific county and regional information has also been distributed to County Unions and Associations.
Key findings since 2004:
- The % of junior membership of total membership has increased from 8% to 9%.
- The % of golf clubs raising membership allocation for junior boys and junior girls has increased by 16% and 15% respectively.
- The % of golf club members in ethnic groups (other than White British) has increased from 3.6% to 4.6%
- The % of golf clubs with membership vacancies has decreased by 2% to 87%
- The actual number of membership vacancies has increased.
- The % of golf clubs charging adults an entrance fee has decreased by 8% to 68%.
- The % of golf clubs charging juniors an entrance fee has decreased by 1% to 16%.
- The % of golf clubs operating junior handicapping schemes for boys and girls has increased by 8% and 13% respectively.
- The % of golf clubs running competitions for juniors only has increased by 5% to 95%.
England Golf is a partnership between the English Golf Union, the English Ladies Golf Association and the PGA with the support of the Golf Foundation and Sport England. ‘The Whole Sport Plan for golf‘ is an initiative supported by Sport England that identifies how England Golf will achieve its vision of being ‘The Leading Golf Nation in the World by 2020‘ from grass roots right through to the elite level.
English Golf Union www.englishgolfunion.org