Continued Success for EGU Coaching Scheme'

The English Golf Union's grass roots initiative 'free golf coaching for beginners', supported by Prosimmon and Sportsmatch has once again proved to be a success this year attracting many people into the game of golf.

Proving that last year was not a one-off initiative, 'free golf coaching' has encouraged participants to sustain their interest in the game according to the latest research carried out by the EGU.

From those participants who returned the survey:

• · 79% have been involved in golf since their initial free coaching Of which
• · 47% have booked further lessons at the venue where they received their coaching
• · 45% have played golf at the venue where they received free coaching
• · 5% have joined a golf club
• · 3% have joined the EGU Associate Membership Scheme

The attraction of 'free golf coaching for beginners' is that it encourages people of all ages, both male and female to get involved and experience golf. This has been backed up with statistics showing an even spread of participants throughout all age groups.

'Free golf coaching' is just the beginning of the EGU's 'Get into Golf' structure, working very closely with the English Ladies' Golf Association, providing an opportunity for all standards of golfers - from experiencing the game for the first time, through to golf club membership.

Richard Flint, Golf Development Secretary commented on the results saying: "We are very pleased that the success of our free golf coaching initiative has continued and as the research highlighted, it is crucial that there is a sustainable structure in place."

Funding for 'free golf coaching' has been limited, however, it is the EGU's intention to develop and enhance this initiative further in an effort to introduce even more people into the game.

For further information on all EGU grass roots initiatives please contact: Richard Flint EGU Golf Development Secretary Tel: 01526 354500

E-Mail: rflint@englishgolfunion.org