The English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) coaching grant schemes proved highly beneficial in 2008 with over 13,000 beginners and over 16,000 junior members receiving coaching sessions.
Through the £200 Free Golf Coaching funding, nearly 500 golf clubs in England offered over 9,000 adults and nearly 4,000 juniors a free taster session. The EGU and EWGA will be tracking these beginners over the next 24 months to establish how their participation in golf has continued through an online tracking survey.
From the 804 golf clubs that applied for funding of £150 for their structured junior programmes, over 16,000 juniors (85% boys: 15% girls) received a programme of coaching with a PGA professional.
In 2008, the EGU and EWGA distributed £189,300 of coaching grants to affiliated golf clubs, plus additional awards were made to those golf clubs with GolfMark accreditation and who completed both schemes.
Richard Flint, EGU/EWGA golf development manager commented, “Golf clubs, beginners and juniors have all benefitted through the 2008 grant aid schemes and the funding has provided thousands with an opportunity to try this great sport. By offering taster sessions and structured activities/follow on lessons, golf clubs are able to bring new players into their facilities and hopefully retain them within membership”.
The grant schemes for 2009 have changed with just one Club Coaching Grant now being offered, allowing for more flexibility. Golf facilities awarded GolfMark upon application can now receive a £800 grant to support a variety of activities with other golf clubs having the opportunity to apply for a £400 fund.
Through the 2009 scheme, golf clubs will be able to utilise this flexible funding to meet the needs of their individual facility and adapt sessions accordingly to include follow on activities where appropriate to try and retain beginners within the club environment. Through the Development Officer network, support is available to clubs to provide ideas for sessions and activities if required, contact details can be found at www.englishgolfunion.org
Any golf clubs wishing to apply for funding are invited to view details online at www.englishgolfunion.org/coachinggrant