“Golf as a sport is shining and, in no small way, that’s thanks to you!” England Golf CEO, Jeremy Tomlinson
Part 1 of our feature in conjunction with England Golf looks at the positivity that came around during those first few weeks of post-lockdown and how our sport took advantage of its temporary position as one of the only viable sports we were able to play.
Written for MG by England Golf’s Club Support Officer for Shropshire, Hereford and Staffordshire, Mark Romasiuk.
Mark Romasiuk – golfing with Dad again
“Since golf returned, I have enjoyed hearing so many positive stories from so many clubs. Golfers who previously never considered membership are finding reasons to join their local golf club. Men and women, young and old who only had only a fleeting interest in our wonderful sport have discovered it’s an amazing way to get out and explore the wonderful courses across the country and enjoy time with friends and family. On a personal note, golf gave me the opportunity to see my dad for the first time in three months. I’m sure this is a story repeated all over the country and it is these shared moments that have made this reopening of golf truly special.”
“Some of the stories I have heard and read are fantastic; Ed Sandison holed out for an ace with his first shot post lockdown, members volunteered to ensure that their clubs could open safely and seven year old Leo Boniface put a smile on all our faces by performing trick shots on Good Morning Britain. All these positives have shone a light on our sport and we must now grab this opportunity with both hands to build on golf’s feelgood factor.
Golf, as an industry, has done a brilliant job to become one of the first sports to resume after the lockdown was eased. England Golf and our partners in the sport have come together in a spirit of collaboration to champion the game and support a safe return to play for golfers and clubs. There has been a huge effort from clubs, managers and PGA professionals to firstly do the groundwork and then join forces with our amazing volunteers to initiate a plan going forward. I salute every single one of you! We now need to concentrate on what happens over the next 6 to 12 months.”
“Golfers new to club membership need to be warmly welcomed and encouraged every step of the journey to make sure their relationship with a club is long-lasting. Clubs should engage with new members from day one – do not wait for tomorrow. Golfers who have shown an interest for the first time will need to be supported and inspired. They will need lessons to get them out onto the course and this is a great opportunity for your PGA pros. Your club professional plays a vital role in helping newcomers grow in confidence, learn new skills, make new friends and fall deeper in love with the game. Make sure your club is a sustainable operation.
Let’s ensure we are promoting memberships, lessons and (when they safely re-open) the use of the beautiful clubhouses that we have in the Midlands. Let’s use this opportunity to propel this wonderful sport to the next level!”
In Part II in July – How to maintain the momentum and to ensure that the rise in golf membership is no temporary thing.
