The English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) are delighted to advise that Shrewsbury Golf Club in Shropshire is the 200th club to be accredited with the prestigious GolfMark Award.
GolfMark accreditation, which incorporates Sport England’s ClubMark standard, has been active for three years, and over 700 affiliated golf clubs have either achieved the award or are working towards this recognition of quality.
GolfMark identifies junior and beginner friendly facilities and offers a variety of benefits, rewards and recognitions for successful clubs. All clubs who are working towards the Award receive ongoing support from the EGU/EWGA development team to help them assess policies and procedures and create a focused and structured plan for future development.
Anthony Rowe, co-Junior Organiser of Shrewsbury Golf Club said, “A lot of effort has been put in by members of staff at Shrewsbury to achieve GolfMark. But it’s been worth it and I am sure we will set the standard for clubs in our area to aspire to, and for our members, juniors and their parents to be proud of.”
An EGU and EWGA survey of GolfMark clubs found that:
• • 39% of clubs had experienced an increase in membership, and the majority felt that achieving GolfMark had contributed towards this.
• 90% of clubs had accessed funding/grants since achieving the award.
• 90% of clubs had created links with local schools, colleges, facilities and/or local community.
• 84% of clubs felt that the GolfMark process had been beneficial or very beneficial to their club.
Richard Flint, EGU/EWGA Golf Development Manager commented, “The 200th GolfMark club is a real milestone. The GolfMark Award scheme is a key priority for us as it helps bring together a range of ideas and activities to create a structured plan for a club’s future development. With clubs gaining members and additional funding as a result of achieving the GolfMark standard it really is something that all clubs should consider.”
Clubs awarded GolfMark are also receiving increased financial benefits in 2009, with an £800 Club Coaching grant available from the EGU/EWGA – visit www.englishgolfunion.org/coachinggrant for details. Further information on GolfMark accreditation scheme can be found at www.golfmark.org
GolfMark is an initiative jointly provided by the EGU and EWGA via England Golf’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and is an integral part of England Golf’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’.