EGU/ELGA GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE HIGHLIGHTS KEY
TRENDS
The English Golf Union and English Ladies’ Golf Association
have published the findings of their Golf Club Membership
Questionnaire 2004, with some interesting results that continue
to question the health of the game at both junior and adult
level.
The main aim of the research was to assess current membership
structures within affiliated golf clubs in England and to
identify where resources can be best focused in the future,
allowing a cohesive approach towards junior and adult golf
development.
54% of the 1,915 affiliated golf clubs responded to the survey,
which again identified that a massive 89% currently have membership
vacancies, this time totalling almost 47,000 across all junior
and adult membership categories (this could equate to 86,904
vacancies throughout all golf clubs in England). These figures
certainly dispel the perception that there are no opportunities
within golf clubs - interestingly 75% of golf clubs are actively
seeking more members and many already run initiatives to aid
this process.
Richard Flint, EGU Golf Development Manager comments: “This
research is crucial to the game and continues to support the
EGU’s strategic planning in golf development”
In terms of junior golf a number of positive trends have
emerged. The amount of golf clubs offering staggered transition
fees has increased and only 17% now charge juniors an entrance
fee. There has been a reduction in the number of golf clubs
requiring juniors to meet a certain standard before playing
on the course and more golf clubs now have a junior organiser
specifically for the girls’ section. There has also
been an increase in the percentage of golf clubs operating
a junior handicapping scheme and an increase in golf clubs
allowing juniors to enter adult competitions.
Kirstie Jennings, ELGA National Girls Development Officer
states: “Within ELGA counties, the information from
ongoing research has been invaluable in addressing priority
areas and developing best practice”
The research covers a variety of other topics such as waiting
lists, joining procedures, handicaps and competitions and
contains county breakdowns and general targets. It also questions
a number of issues such as the standard and accessibility
of facilities, different types of membership to help retain
youngsters and the strength of junior structures within golf
clubs.
The Golf Club Membership Questionnaire 2004 Results Booklet
is available in hard copy format and is on the golf development
section of the EGU website under ‘statistics’
– www.englishgolfunion.org
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