Golf still has a stigma of being an expensive sport for older white middle-aged men. So what is being done to encourage the next generation to get involved in Golf?
Elitist
When getting into golf the basic set could cost around £300-500, to continuously have lessons as you go up in age could set you back around £35-50 a session with a pro coach.
The cost of membership fees is something that has been highlighted within the golf community as a problem when trying to recruit the game’s next generation. Rising East research has shown that membership fees for well-known golf clubs like The Shire in High Barnet and Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire range from £5,000- £13,500 annually, whilst booking an 18 whole round is roughly around £200 at the clubs.
Troubles
One club in the area that is making an effort to engage with younger would-be players is Woodford Golf Club.
Honorary Secretary Paul Evans discussed at length the troubles he has in relation to getting young kids into the sport. “Kids have so much to do now with their phones and gaming now is a way in which they can socialize compared to 10 or so years ago when kids would want to go out and explore sports more. Now everything is on TV.”
Traditions
Woodford golf course traditionally was a nine-hole course meaning that the game is quicker to play. Although having a nine-hole course has its problems. “Growing up I started with 9-hole courses,” says Paul. “This was the norm to get you going as a young lad. Nowadays everyone wants to copy the pros, only having 18 holes means longer matches, but do kids really want to be on a course for three to four hours.”
Demographic
The demographic of golf is something that has always had a stigma. On the European and world tours you are getting more BAME pro’s such as Tony Finau and Li Haotong which will only help the games appeal to young kids. From personal experience of working within the golf industry Tiger Woods still plays a huge role in the rise of BAME young players.
Frustrations
Says Evans: “Kids now are all at Top Golf, they’re not really playing golf are they. It’s harder to get the kids into playing golf to be honest.” Top golf is a family friendly version of golf which uses a golf club and ball but just to roll or hit the ball into a single hole, similar to bowling. It’s quick and can be played in groups which is a cheaper way than going down to a golf course.
The Hope
The hope is that through such taster sessions and the fact that there are now more than 10 golfing product brands the sport will work its way into becoming cheaper and more accessible if not we may still be highlighting this problem with the sport.