A Sport England grant of £72,000 has been awarded to the England Golf Partnership for the purchase of equipment for golf development programmes to deliver grass roots initiatives aimed at bringing more people into the game.
The money will buy sets of Tri-golf and Golf X-treme equipment for youngsters in schools, together with half sets for adults, men and women, and left handed clubs. The equipment will then be put to good use through school development programmes, city taster sessions and golf club activity organised by 20 individual county golf partnerships throughout the country.
Richard Flint, EGU/EWGA golf development manager, said, “Research has shown that the second biggest barrier to taking up the game is the cost of golf equipment. People are naturally reluctant to have to spend money before they have even had a chance to try golf. This initiative is aimed at removing that barrier. People of all ages can now go along to one of our inner city days, or a taster session at their local golf club and know they won‘t have to worry about having their own clubs.”
County golf partnerships will loan the equipment to golf clubs who have been awarded GolfMark status, the national scheme that recognises junior and beginner friendly golf facilities, or are working towards the award. Details of the number of sets available in each county will be announced shortly.
Lisa O‘Keefe, head of national sport, Sport England said, “Sport England is delighted to invest in golf equipment for people wanting to take part in the sport. This is a great initiative that could inspire people who have hesitated about getting involved in the past, to join in. The challenge now is to make sure whose people who get involved in the scheme start playing and enjoying it.”