Titleist is to continue its support of leading golf charity the Golf Foundation in making the sport more accessible for young people through its national Golf Roots initiative.
As Official Golf Ball Partner to the Golf Foundation for 2010, Titleist golf balls, the number one ball in golf, will be used in the charity’s events and for its promotional activities.
Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “This agreement is very exciting news for the whole team. We are looking for strong commercial support from the best golf companies in order to build on our golf programmes which have enjoyed proven success in recent times.
“In terms of quality golf brands, you cannot find a better example than Titleist, and we are thrilled with the association. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building the game for the future and I am sure it will remain a strong supporter of the junior game as a whole for many years to come.”
Titleist golf balls will be used across Golf Roots initiatives in schools and communities and at promotional events as the Foundation supports the national golf partnerships of England, Scotland and Wales.
“The Golf Foundation continues to deliver widespread access to the game of golf to thousands of children in the UK each year,” commented Neil Jessiman, Titleist’s European Marketing Manager. “This is a critical role in supporting the ongoing success and popularity of golf and, for that reason, we are delighted to continue to work in partnership with the Golf Foundation.”
Golf Roots initiatives provide a pathway for the new player from the school to the golf club, and in doing so the Golf Foundation works with ever-increasing numbers of children and supporting adults.
A recent government survey indicated that the number of schools offering golf increased from 38% (in 2007/8) to 42% (in 2008/9). This figure was 23% in 2005/06 and just 14% in 2003/4. The number of schools with formal links to golf clubs and driving ranges increased from 22% (in 2007/8) to 26% (in 2008/9). In 2003/4, this figure was just 9%. Some 36% of primary schools and 66% of secondary schools offered golf in the academic year of 2008/9.
Titleist www.titleist.co.uk
Golf Foundation www.golf-foundation.org