The Golf Foundation has thanked the organisers and delegates present at the Golf Business and Industry Convention (GolfBIC) for a “significant” donation of £4,700, which will help the leading golf charity to make the game more accessible to children from all backgrounds and abilities.
The UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA) joined forces with the Organisation of Golf and Range Operators (OGRO) to stage GolfBIC atForest of Arden, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club, 29-30 March.
A charity dinner was held at the mid-point of a successful two-day event of thought-provoking seminars and discussions and an exhibition, all designed to aid golf course and range owners and operators to enhance their businesses.
During the dinner, delegates entered a prize raffle and took part in a short but spirited auction in support of nominated charity the Golf Foundation, with auction lots including a limited edition print of Carnoustie signed by Gary Player. The total sum of money was raised in less than an hour.
The donation will be spent on school, community and club initiatives. The Golf Foundation’s committed team of regional development officers have worked tirelessly with teachers, sports officers, club volunteers and PGA professionals to increase participation in recent years, with startling figures for growth in school golf and much healthier recent links between schools and clubs. The Foundation’s HSBC Golf Roots programme aims to reach one million youngsters per year by 2013.
Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said at the dinner: “I’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone in the room for their generosity, this is a significant amount of money that will really help our cause. Support like this means we can reach more and more youngsters through our programmes, including children in inner city and rural communities, and we are also aiming to offer more opportunities to disabled youngsters.
“All this grass roots work has to be good for the golf industry for the future and it is great for the children who not only learn the technical skills of golf but also benefit from life skills within the game, including such attributes as honesty, respect, concentration and co-operation. We are making an impact and the Golf Foundation is very fortunate to have so many good friends from within the industry.”
Mike Round also took the opportunity to mention the charity’s new ‘Golf19’ campaign, which is a really easy way for adult golfers to put something back into the game. Adults can simply text ‘Golf19 £2’ to 70070 and give some quids for the kids, making a real difference this summer.
Mike said recently: “We believe this simple fundraising call-to-action has a catchy name in Golf19; it’s easy for golfers to remember and the great thing is for the price of a post-round cuppa or pint, all golfers can help the next generation.”
Golfers can simply text ‘Golf19 £2’ to 70070 and all the money goes through to the Golf Foundation. It doesn’t have to be limited to £2 of course, you can text £5 or £10 if this is affordable. The method of payment is completely secure; you will receive a confirmation text when you make the donation and a see a £2 charge next to the 70070 number on your next mobile phone bill.(Check with the bill-payer first; standard text charges apply).
To learn more about HSBC Golf Roots and the Golf Foundation call 01992 449830 or see www.golf-foundation.org