England Golf asks for ideas to grow participation
By Martyn Clapham
England Golf is embarking on a listening exercise to get as many ideas as possible to grow golf, its new chief executive has announced.
The organization has set up the hashtag #MoreThanGolf and says the initiative is to stimulate and encourage innovation and enterprise across the sport.
Nick Pink, chief executive of England Golf, said: “Since I joined the organisation a few months ago, I have been impressed with the number of innovators and entrepreneurs I have come across within the sport. People developing different, often shorter, versions, adding features and introducing new technology – it is all very exciting and England Golf has played its part in this.
Nick Pink. image © Leaderboard Photography
“But I also think that we could do more to encourage new thinking within the sport all levels, within England Golf, the counties, our clubs and among our partners. Changes in people’s lifestyles, consumer habits and expectations and their use of digital media are creating challenges and opportunities. We have to be ready to overcome the first and exploit the latter.”
He added: “We are very keen to hear from anybody within and outside golf with suggestions on how we can best support new ideas and initiatives to help grow golf and its impact on society.”
He said key areas for #MoreThanGolf include helping clubs to develop a more welcoming approach to new formats of the game and to new people and groups from across society, plus to encourage clubs to develop better relationships within their communities.
Svend Elkjaer of Sports Marketing Network will drive the project forward for England Golf, working with the new Enterprise and Innovation Group and engaging with the organisation’s contacts across the sport.
If you have an idea that could be of help, please email the Enterprise and Innovation Group: innovation@englandgolf.org
By Martyn Clapham
Write a comment
2 Comments
View comments
Write a comment
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Conducting qualitative and quantitative research studies looking at the success of cycling and other sports or activities which have grown massively in the last 5 or so years, must a starting point. In my opinion, golf will only grow if parents are able to take their children to the club from a young age. This issues is, the pressure on adult’s job/income and the hours spend at work in todays society. The cost of living, pressures from partners to spend less time doing the things we use to do a lot, and spending more time together. Growing the game is more connected to solving the social and economical problems. I also believe golf centers are important to growing golf. Ones which are high quality and well managed is a great start for people to get involved. Golf centers are open to the public, catering and drinks, golf range, lessons, morning and night activities, social groups, learning sessions, short courses.
Well done Mr Pink, at last someone with a bit of common sense. Some of us have had some great ideas and successes and nobody wanted to know, maybe things in golf are on the up at last. Lets hope this is not just hot air again #morethangolf