American Golf and global golfing star Justin Rose have joined forces to unveil a new world-class golf academy as they embark on a mission to get more people into golf.
The new Justin Rose Academy, powered by American Golf, is part of American Golf’s drive to make golf accessible to all, irrespective of age, gender social background and ability.
Led by a team of highly trained PGA Professional coaches, and working with golfers of all levels, from complete beginners to elite players, the Justin Rose Academy will operate from American Golf’s leisure sites, including its flagship Golf Kingdom Leisure Park in Essex, Cheshire’s High Legh Park Golf Club, Rossendale Family Golf Complex in Lancashire, Hemingford Abbots Golf Complex in Cambridgeshire, Wythall Driving Range in Birmingham and Bexley’s Barnehurst Golf Club.
The Academy will have a firm focus on community engagement, taking the sport off the golf course and into new territories via social media and influencer activities, events and a dedicated schools programme that will introduce children to the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits of golf.
In its first five years, the Academy aims to bring 18,000 young people onto the Justin Rose junior programme, with more than 5,000 free lessons for school children given away during the first year.
Justin Rose said: “It’s an extremely exciting time for golf in the UK. Not only is participation up, but the average age of players is coming down, and more than 400,000 women have taken up the game for the first time since 2020.
“Encouraging young people to play golf will protect the future of the sport and schools are a crucial part of our outreach. It’s our vision to have golf on the PE curriculum. The Academy will enable more people to benefit from the social and health benefits of golf, as well as us uncovering future champions. Linking with American Golf to launch the Academy makes complete sense given its vast network of golf ranges and stores across the UK.”
Gary Favell, CEO of American Golf, said: “This is a landmark day for golf in the UK. Justin is an extraordinary player and a hugely inspirational ambassador for the sport. Our Justin Rose Academy has huge ambitions to accelerate golf participation, while changing the perception of the sport for good and making sure it’s accessible to all.
“The Justin Rose Academy is for everyone, from beginners to aspiring tournament professionals, our aim is to inspire, educate and show people the real joy that comes from golf – whether that be a round with friends, a trip to the driving range or participation in a school tournament.”
Attracting more minority groups into the game is a key focus for Kate Rose, Justin’s wife and founder of the women’s golfing event, Rose Ladies Series, who’s also leading the charge in her role as Inclusivity Ambassador at the Academy, ensuring every minority group is able to participate in the sport.