The UK Golf Federation, which primarily represents proprietary golf courses and driving ranges, has reported that 2019 has been ‘a good season for business’, with many members reporting growth in the numbers participating in various activities at their golf facilities.
The Federation noted that rounds played were up overall and special events, such as coaching programmes and junior golf, were being well supported.
With many golf clubs appearing to have struggled over the last few years with dropping membership, these latest figures was viewed as a very positive move in getting golf participation back on track for the future.
The UK Golf Federation has grown substantially in 2019, with over 550 golf clubs and driving ranges now signed up for membership, representing a growth of over 300%.
Doug Poole. CEO of the UK Golf Federation, said he believed the key to this huge growth is down to the valuable range of business benefits programmes available to members. He said: “Currently there are 14 benefits to membership of which eight are completely free, and this is set to grow in 2020, as more key benefits to business are brought into the membership package.”
The UKGF’s current range of corporate partners, including Clubcar, John Deere, Toro and Textron Golf, bring extra support in helping members make key decisions on equipment, golf course management and maintenance, while Poole announced that a number of new corporate partners will be announced in 2020.
The Federation’s early initiative for 2020 is GolfBIC, which is being held at the Forest of Arden on March 16. GolfBIC’s programme will include three seminars, a show room of industry exhibitors, and a gala dinner. To register, visit www.ukgolffederation.com and book a show package.