‘Golf News’, the monthly golfing newspaper, reaches a notable milestone this month, when it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The June issue is ‘Golf News’s’ 178th edition.
The newspaper was launched by publisher and owner Matt Nicholson. ‘Golf News’ first came out in June 1994, during the height of the golfing boom in the south east of England – the area within which the Hove -based publication distributes to over 450 golf clubs each month.
During that time, ‘Golf News’ has had three editors, with current incumbent Nick Bayly having been at the helm since in 2002. Nick, who previously worked for ‘Golf Monthly’ and ‘Golf Club Management’, has seen a great many changes in the golfing establishment during his during a 15-year career in the golfing media, especially in relation to the free press.
“Free magazines and newspapers were very much treated as second-class citizens when they first arrived on the scene, but with the so much content available for free online now, and many mainstream publishers launching free newspapers to mass markets, the concept of quality free printed content is here to stay,” said Nick.
He added: “There are two million golfers in the UK, yet less than 150,000 pay to read a golf magazine regularly, which leaves a lot of room in the market for those who are able to provide a polished product. Paid-for golf titles certainly have a role to play, but we’d like to think that ‘Golf News’ fills a niche for those looking for an entertaining and informative read, to find out what’s going on in their area, and discover the latest deals on memberships and green fee offers where they live. ‘Golf News’s’ accessibility and its regionality is its strength and is what sets it apart – the fact that doesn’t cost consumers a penny to read is a bonus.”
Despite the increasingly tough economic conditions, publisher Matt Nicholson remains positive about the future of the title and the golf industry as a whole, which has withstood downturns before.
“While there’s no doubting that many golf businesses are hurting in the current economic climate, including many clubs, equipment companies and golf tour operators, ‘Golf News’ is, and always has been, there to support the industry during the good and the bad times. We’re a small team, but our emphasis on building good relationships with our clients and our readership has resulted in tremendous loyalty, for which we are extremely grateful.”
The 15th anniversary issue of ‘Golf News’, which comes out on 16th June, is packed with the usual mix of topical local, national and international news, player interviews, product reviews, as well as columns from some of the most respected names in the game, including Sky Sports presenter Ewen Murray and Tour coach Denis Pugh.
The issue will also look back on two exciting European Tour events taking place on its doorstep, at Wentworth and the London Golf Club, and will be teeing off its Open Championship preview with an exclusive interview with legend Tom Watson, as he returns to Turnberry for The Open Championship, scene of his infamous ‘Duel in the Sun’ with Jack Nicklaus in 1977.
There will also be an interview with Surrey-based European Senior Tour rookie Roger Chapman, who earlier this month came with a whisker of becoming the youngest ever man to win on the over 50s Tour.
‘Golf News’ is also available as a digital download, the only consumer golf title to offer this service, and the past 12 month’s issues are available to view online at www.golfnews.co.uk