The English Golf Union’s and English Ladies’ Golf Association’s grass roots initiative ‘Free coaching for beginners’ is already proving successful in 2002. Although only half way through this year’s campaign, feedback from participating venues has been positive with hundreds of newcomers being introduced to the game.
Martin Wright, director at Open Golf Centres, Bournemouth said, “We attracted almost 100 people to our facility. With many having already returned for further coaching we will certainly continue to support the EGU and ELGA next year in their campaign to introduce more people to the game of golf”.
Free Golf Coaching is available to beginners (regardless of age, gender and background) at venues all over England until the end of September 2002. Anyone wishing to experience golf for the first time can simply register with a venue and receive one-hour of Free Golf Coaching – golf balls and clubs are also provided free of charge.
All participants are given information on a variety of initiatives aimed at continuing their involvement in golf, including regular participation, obtaining an official handicap and joining a golf club.
Research has highlighted that almost 80% of free golf coaching participants have booked further lessons, played a round of golf or even joined a facility. “This can only be a good thing for the health of the game and in particular golfing facilities,” commented Richard Flint, EGU golf development manager.
For a complete list of participating venues go to www.englishgolfunion.org and click on’Get into Golf’ and’free coaching’ or telephone 01526 354500. Details will also be published in local and national press throughout the summer months and complete statistics will be available later on in the year.
‘Free Golf Coaching For Beginners’ is just one of several initiatives within the get into golf grass roots structure developed by the EGU and ELGA.
English Golf Union www.englishgolfunion.org