England Golf has welcomed details of a survey released by Golf Access which shows a direct correlation between participation in their programmes and an uptake in golf club membership.
Golf Access – a preferred partner of England Golf – run programmes designed to attract and increase the number of new golfers playing the game and then support them on the journey to become regular players and club members.
The latest research, which was conducted by MEDI8 over a three-month period, reports that 51% of all programme participants had progressed to golf club membership.
Golf Access’ forward-tee concept and unique reward-based scoring system has been key to helping players make the transition from beginner into member.
The survey also revealed 100% of the respondents, who were made up of Golf Managers, PGA Professionals and junior organisers, were happy to recommend the programme.
Golf Access creator, Simon Wood, commented: “We are delighted with the survey results and this research proves what we already firmly believed about our programmes.
“These provide continuity for learners, celebrates their milestones and offers a pathway to long-term participation in the sport. What was great to learn is that we have a system that works for golf, not just for a specific type of golfer or a particular type of venue.”
Lee Dolby, England Golf’s Young People Manager, developed the partnership with Golf Access as part of the Children and Young Peoples plan for Golf 2017 – 2021, entitled; “Growing the Game for the Future”.
He added: “These figures are fantastic and show that if a club has a supportive pathway in place then it can really impact on membership. To achieve a 51% conversion rate from participation into membership clearly shows the Golf Access programme works. I would encourage more clubs to explore whether it could help them achieve their ambitions for both their junior and adult sections."
“Programmes like this show our commitment to growing golf club membership. As we develop our new membership campaign, we hope to be able to identify further successes that we can share to support clubs find what will work for them.”
England Golf is fully committed to helping clubs drive golfers towards membership packages and last month launched its ‘Membership: Give it a shot’ campaign to complement the work already being carried out by clubs on attracting new golfers.
For more information on the Golf Access programme and the special rate available to any affiliated golf club in England please click here
Alternatively, visit the Golf Access website