Family is key to growing golf, says study
Posted on in Outdoor News
An independent study carried out by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. for the Golf Foundation has revealed the importance of family to growing the game of golf.
The results highlighted the fact that 99% of parents see golf as providing a very safe environment for their children, and that 95% also believe the sport can teach their children valuable life skills.
The vast majority of junior golfers (71%) said they would like to play more golf with their parents.
"The results of the survey prove that golf can have a hugely positive impact on a child's upbringing," commented Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation.
"We know that we can provide safe environments for children of all ages but it was particularly pleasing to see that younger children also have a real appetite to play the sport with their parents.
"Golf is perhaps the only sport where multiple generations of the same family can play together over decades and even compete. The fact that 71% of children surveyed expressed a real interest in playing with their parents proves that if clubs can provide an environment in which all ages feel welcome and comfortable, the sport will grow!"
A key catchment for attracting youngsters to the game of golf is between 6-12 years of age, during which 67% of the UK's participating junior golfers first take up the game.
Availability of junior courses and academies, tolerant members, the ability to bring friends along for free and topically, more varied team formats, are the primary factors in retaining junior members, according to the study
As part of the wider Get into golf campaign, family will be a big driver over the coming months. For example, the Golf Foundation is supporting England Golf's official Family Golf Month; a national campaign targeting family participation through digital advertising and social media during July.
Moreover, the Foundation has made a commitment to distribute HSBC Golf Roots Family Kit Bags to over 300 UK golf clubs to enable them to offer free taster sessions to families. The bags will include child-friendly fun-oriented golf equipment, adaptable tee markers and ideas on playing formats for all generations of families to play together.