A drive to push golf club membership remains one of the key initiatives during the coming months, following the release of the national findings of the fourth EGU/EWGA Golf Club Survey.
The English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) have completed their fourth Golf Club Membership Questionnaire since 2000 and have detailed their national findings in a results booklet, recently distributed to all affiliated golf clubs.
Over the last eight years, key membership trends have emerged in relation to junior and adult membership and this has supported the national governing bodies in identifying where resources are best focused in the future at national, regional and local level.
Although no major changes have occurred within a two year period, the 2008 questionnaire has seen many positive trends in relation to waiting lists, entrance fees, coaching and competitive opportunities, most significantly for juniors.
Membership vacancies are still relatively high but more opportunities within golf clubs are readily available with many facilities offering a variety of activities with reduced waiting lists and entrance fees. Through the County Golf Partnership structure, participation and membership within golf clubs is at the forefront of counties’ priorities.
Richard Flint, EGU/EWGA golf development manager comments, “Junior golf is an essential part of development work and this has proved evident with the positive trends which have emerged over the last 8 years. The opportunities available in golf clubs for all ages at present are wide ranging and there is no better time to become a member.”
The EGU and EWGA are currently developing a new resource to support golf clubs in recruiting and retaining adult members. This toolkit has been designed to act as a flexible guidance document to help golf clubs adapt an approach that works effectively at their individual facility.
The EGU and EWGA would like to take the opportunity to thank golf clubs for their continued support of the Golf Club Membership Questionnaire.
The Golf Club Membership Questionnaire is part of the England Golf Partnership’s research strategy.
EGU/EWGA Golf Development Team development@englishgolfunion.org
English Golf Union www.englishgolfunion.org