SECTION TWO

2.0  NATIONAL PROVISION

2.1  The England Golf Partnership (EGP) and Whole Sport Plan (WSP)

In 2004 the EGP was formed:

The English Golf Union Ltd, the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) are now working in partnership with the support of Sport England (SE) and the Golf Foundation (GF).

Each organisation will continue to deliver core activities (national events and services) however, as a partnership a “Whole Sport Plan” has been produced, a strategy for golf to work towards.

In February 2005 SE awarded golf funding to support this strategy over the next four years.

After a lengthy consultation period with key stakeholders in April 2005, the EGP launched the WSP, with a vision for England to become ‘the leading golf nation in the world’.

The EGP is a Limited Liability Partnership that is responsible for the leadership and delivery of the WSP.

Each organisation’s Chief Executive Officer sits on the Management Board of the EGP.  An Executive Director has also been appointed as the accountable officer responsible for leading and managing the work of staff involved in the delivery of the WSP.

The three underlying and important principles are:

[1)  Plan for the ‘Whole’ Game:

The plan has been developed by the game for the game and represents a highly costed framework for the development of golf in England over the next four years. It provides the blueprint for organisations and individuals within golf and outside the sport who are totally committed to the game at local and national levels.

[2]  Golfer Centred

The focus of the plan is centred on the golfer and not on any one organisation, setting out a clear pathway, based on newly emerging ‘Long Term Athlete Development’ (LTAD) principles. These assess individual golfer needs whatever age (5 – 75 years) or standard (beginner to tour pro), regardless of whether he or she is looking to ‘Start, Stay or Succeed’ in golf.

[3]  Funding

For the first time, the plan represents one clear and succinct investment proposal for all potential financial backers of the game in this country. Its target audience is wide-ranging from the corporate and commercial sectors, government departments, governing bodies and associations to golf clubs and individual golfers.

2.1.1   Start

The aim of this programme is to provide everyone, no matter how old and regardless of ability, with the opportunity to experience golf. The programme is divided into 3 elements; “School Links,” “Start Golf” and “Get into Golf.” These distinct elements strive to get as many people participating as possible:

1)  The ‘School Links’ programme will provide schools with grant aid, equipment, learning resources and training and officer support to enable a new network of School Sports Coordinators (SSCo’s) to deliver golf within the school environment. The programme will also incorporate the existing ‘Tri-Golf’ initiative aimed at introducing children to golf in primary schools. A new kit:  ‘Golf X-treme’, which was launched in 2006, has also been introduced to target middle and secondary school aged children.

2)  ‘Start Golf’ – a series of programmes have also been set up to target school age children outside the school environment, these include:

a)  ‘Golf Roots’ - a development programme supporting local authorities in the delivery of golf within inner city areas.

b)  ‘Junior Golf Passport’ – a structured learning programme aimed at encouraging children to transfer from school based, to club based coaching.

c)  ‘Community Golf Assistance Scheme’ – a programme to provide youth groups, golf facilities, local authorities and community groups with grant aid, equipment, learning resources and training and officer support, to deliver golf within the local community.

3)  ‘Get into Golf’ - ‘Golf Passport’ is the primary development scheme for adults that provides an entry vehicle for older participants (over 18 years of age) to transfer from beginner coaching to club-based playing opportunities.

2.1.2  Stay

The aim of this programme is to increase the number of regular participants playing golf. This programme is divided into two elements; “Club Support” and “Player Support.”

1) The ‘Golf Club Support’ package includes GolfMark (a national accreditation scheme), junior club coaching grants, a junior handicapping scheme, junior organisers’ handbook, officer support, child protection information, fixtures list, a competition database and information seminars. The package can be adapted by appropriate facilities other than affiliated golf clubs

2)  The ‘Continuing Professional Development for Golf Club Secretaries and Managers’ programme will inform Secretaries and Managers on the areas of golf club management and issues relative to the WSP. As part of the SE ‘ClubMark’ initiative, the ‘Club Development Programme’ is a national accreditation programme to identify junior and adult friendly clubs. The criteria includes coaching and playing, the club environment and structure, as well as duty of care, child protection, equity and other legal issues.

3)  ‘Player Support’ - initiatives to support the individual player include:

The ‘Associate Membership Programme’, which allows non-club members to obtain an official handicap. Other benefits include; access to discounted golf courses, events, coaching days and golf club membership opportunities (this is currently under discussion for 2008).

The ‘Skills Challenge’ will provide links to talent identification and Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) through skills testing in putting, chipping and pitching, bunker play, irons and woods.

The ‘Coaching Programme’ for juniors will be a structured programme for all standards of golfers and will be available all year round (not available at present).

The ‘Registered Society Scheme’ allows golf societies to register with the national governing body and gain credibility, access to courses, coaching and discounts on green fees and equipment. It aims to encourage society members to obtain handicaps and join clubs.

2.1.3  Succeed

The aim of this programme is to systematically identify, train and produce the best golfers in the world – both men and women. This programme is divided into three elements; “Emerging England,” “Emerging Futures” and Team England.” These programmes focus on developing young English talent (under 18), golfing talent at 18 to 24 years and those who represent England at both amateur and professional levels respectively.

1)  The ‘Emerging England’ programme recognises that golf needs to ‘get younger’ in its identification of young English golfing talent. The proposal in women’s golf is to build on the existing EWGA ‘Birdie Groups’ for 9 to 13 year olds, and the subsequent ‘World Class Start’ programme. In men’s golf, the proposal is to embrace the EGU county coaching programme at under 14, under 16 and under 18 level, to uncover a wider pool of talented players.

2)  The ‘England Futures’ programme will focus on the best golfing talent at 18 to 24 year old level, with the aim of nurturing the very best players in squad programmes to graduate as the world’s leading ‘career amateurs’ or ‘career tour professionals’. The programme will embrace and build upon the existing ‘World Class Potential’ programmes under EGU and EWGA.

3) ‘Team England:’ Golfers in this programme will be responsible for delivering the ‘headline’ Key Performance Indicators within the WSP.  At amateur level, the plans will build on the existing ‘World Class Performance’ programmes of the EGU and EWGA, but come together to deliver a more co-ordinated and cutting edge approach. At professional level, resources allowing a new programme are proposed – focussing on supporting England touring pros (in Europe and USA) in their initial transition to the paid ranks. The objective will be to establish financial support in the early years, based on means testing, to convert more English players through Tour School. Thereafter, support will be focused in the areas of sports science and medicine, competitive scheduling and if viable, individual player management.

2.1.4  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The success of the WSP will be reviewed on seven Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) as outlined below.

In 2009, these will measure the overall progress towards the 2020 vision of England becoming the “leading golf nation in the world.”

KPI 1        PARTICIPATION

To increase the number of individuals playing golf by 5%

 KPI 2        CLUBS

40% affiliated golf clubs accredited to ‘GolfMark’

 KPI 3        CLUB MEMBERSHIP

To increase the number of active members of affiliated golf clubs by 40,000

KPI 4        COACHES

To have 5,200 qualified paid and volunteer coaches

KPI 5        VOLUNTEERS

To have developed a volunteer strategy by 2006, and implement it to 2009

KPI 6        INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

Divided into individual amateur and professional success within both the men’s and women’s games

KPI 7        ENGLISH PLAYERS REPRESENTING GB & NI / EUROPE

Identifying the number of English players representing GB&I / Europe in Team events of both the amateur and professional ranks within both the men’s and women’s game.

2.1.5  Underpinning Programmes

There are a series of underpinning programmes, which will provide a player pathway and a firm foundation on which to develop, maintain and grow the game - these are listed below:

·         Facilities

·         Information Computer Technology

·         Sports Science & Medicine

·         Education & Careers

·         Research & Development

·         Workforce Development

·         Good Practice

·         Coaching Infrastructure

·         Volunteers

·         Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD)

·         Commercial & Marketing Plan

2.2  National Governing Bodies Overview

2.2.1  English Golf Union Ltd (EGU)

The EGU, founded in 1924 is the National Governing Body for men’s amateur golf within England. Based at the National Golf Centre in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, the EGU is one of the largest sports governing bodies in England looking after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 740,000 club members. It is a non-profit organisation run for the benefit of the game and its players.

As of 1^st June 2008 there were:

34 affiliated County Unions

1,958 golf clubs affiliated to EGU (inc Artisan clubs)

741,407 male members (2006 figures)

71,431 boys under the age of 18 years (2006 figures)

The EGU website can be found at www.englishgolfunion.org

2.2.2  EGU Activity

National Championships, Competitions

National Squads & Selection of England Teams

Golf Development

Club Services including club administration enquiries, Golf Course Management, Government Policy Queries, EGU Year Book, EGU Website, EGU Community, Registered Societies and Golf Captains scheme.

Associate Membership

Rules & Regulations

Administering Bursaries & Sport England Grants

Handicapping

Assisting Counties

2.2.3  EGU National Coaching

The primary aim of the National Squad Coaching Programme is to develop English players through a holistic support system and provide competitive play at a wide variety of tournaments in different conditions.  The values are commitment, responsibility, honesty and individualisation, in an environment where learning both on and off the course is an opportunity for everybody involved.

2.2.4  EGU Development (including junior golf)

The EGU is committed to providing opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities through it's Golf Development Strategy, which includes various 'Get into Golf' initiatives.

Three key areas:-

Junior Golf - promoting and developing opportunities to play and experience the game. 

18 to 30 year olds - the retention of golfers and sustaining participation.

Introducing people of any age - 'Get into Golf' structure and initiatives.

Regardless of age, gender or background the EGU, working alongside EWGA, have developed initiatives and associated literature for beginners to the more experienced golfer.  The EGU works alongside golf clubs/facilities to provide guidance and support to ensure that golf remains a healthy and successful sport in England.

2.3  English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA)

EWGA, founded in 1952 is the National Governing Body for women’s amateur golf within England. EWGA consists of affiliated golf clubs, their playing lady members and affiliated County Associations.

35 affiliated County Associations

1,791 golf clubs affiliated to EWGA

125,234 female members (as of end of 2006)

5,541 girls under the age of 18 years (as of end of 2006)

The EWGA website can be found at www.englishladiesgolf.org

2.3.1  EWGA Activity

As of 1^st June 2008 there were:

National Championships, County Finals and Handicap Competitions

Course Rating

National Squads and Selection of England Teams

Rules & Regulations

Administering Bursaries, EWGA Trust Grants & Sport England Grants

Volunteer & Staff Training

Assisting Counties & Divisions

Handicapping

Marketing & Public Relations

Golf Services

2.3.2  EWGA National Coaching

National coaching programmes clearly focus on talent identification and the progression to elite-level performance. “Aiming for the Flag,” written by the Performance Manager in 2001 ensures that every girl showing above average potential is given the best technical tuition and support to encourage her progression to World Class.

Elite Girls Under 16 – 6 to 8 golfers identified as elite level players attend weekend training sessions, a warm weather training week and the under 16 championship at Drumoig.

World Class Potential

Elite Girls Under 18 – 6 to 8 players preparing for the European Girls’ Team Championship and Home Internationals attend weekend training sessions, a warm weather-training week and a Championship.

Elite Under 21 – 6 to 8 players preparing for the European Junior Team Championship attend weekend training sessions, a warm weather-training week and the French Under 21 Championship.

World Class Performance

Elite 2 - 8 players as a reserve squad for the Home International Team.

Elite 1 - The Home International Team.

2.3.3  EWGA Development (including junior golf)

In 2000, EWGA showed their commitment to the development of girls’ golf in England when they appointed a National Girls’ Golf Development Officer. In 2001 the National Junior Development Plan (NJDP) was published. The National Junior Development Plan seeks to:

Increase the number of junior girl members of golf clubs in England.

Ensure that girl golfers are supported and encouraged to enjoy the sport so that they continue their involvement in golf until adulthood.

In 2002, two Regional Girls’ Golf Development Officers (RGDO’s) were appointed to work with individual County Associations, to implement the NJDP at a local level. From 2002 to 2005, the RGDO’s worked with 15 County Associations, striving to introduce junior committees that should have designated roles and responsibilities to assist with the implementation of 4-year Girls’ Golf Development Plans.

One of the many ways in which EWGA tries to assist County Associations, is to provide funding to support activities that encourage new girls into the game, support existing players and members and assist with volunteer recruitment, development and training. Details on EWGA grants are outlined in section 8.0 (Funding Streams).

2.3.4  The EWGA Trust

The EWGA Trust is a registered charity, funded by donations from golf clubs, individuals, merchandise sales and fundraising activities. The Trust is intended to fund young golfers who are under 21 years old or in full-time education. In 2004, £55,000 was awarded in grant aid via individual and group coaching awards (details shown in section 8.0).

 2.4.  Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)

 The PGA was founded in 1901 and now has over 5,000 qualified professionals who between them employ almost 1,000 registered trainees.  There are seven regional headquarters located throughout Great Britain and Ireland, which have full time staff available for advice on all aspects of the game. The regional offices also organise their own tournament circuits, the PGA East Region covers Middlesex.

The Regional Secretary is John Smith and he administers the professional golfers and tournaments in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk.

Contact Details:

Bishops Stortford Golf Club, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5HP

Tel: 01279 652070 / Email: eastregion@pga.org.uk

The PGA is represented on the Golf Foundation and takes an active part in the promotion of amateur golf through a vast programme of pro-am tournaments and of junior golf through a number of promotional activities. 

The PGA website can be found at www.pga.info

2.5  Golf Foundation (GF)

Founded in 1952, the Golf Foundation is a registered charity (charity number 285917).

The aims of the GF are:-

To provide support for golf sessions at schools and golf facilities so that young people are given their first introduction to golf work towards the achievement of a playing handicap.

To provide competitive opportunities

The GF believe that through the medium of golf, children are able to gain both valuable personal skills that will help them later in life and of course, enjoyment.

The GF website can be found at www.golf-foundation.org

2.5.1  Community Links – formerly Starter Centres

Historically, The Golf Foundation has had a network of Starter Centres throughout the country with a network of RDO’s overseeing the funding and activity in these facilities. In 2007 “The Community Links” programme was launched, supporting clubs with outreach work.

2.5.2  Tri Golf & Golf Xtreme

Tri-Golf is a mini version of golf developed by the Golf Foundation and designed specifically for young children in infant, primary and junior schools. The golf equipment is safe for children to use, affordable for schools to buy and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The club heads for the irons and putters are oversized making contact with the ball easier.

Golf Xtreme is a new golf kit that has been developed by the Golf Foundation as a follow on from Tri-Golf, designed for primary and secondary schools. The golf equipment is metal but adapted golf balls make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A leaders manual and curriculum schemes of work now run alongside the Golf Xtreme Kit.

2.5.3  Junior Golf Passport

Launched in 2003 the Junior Golf Passport gives young golfers the incentive and opportunity to learn and improve their skills, understand the rules of the game, improve golf course play and acquire a handicap.

Passport to Golf has 6 levels:

·     Level 1 – Tri Golf

·     Levels 2 and 3 – Start Golf

·     Levels 4, 5 and 6 – Play Golf

Once a group has registered with the Golf Foundation a starter pack is issued containing passports, an organiser’s handbook, certificates and stickers. Additional passports and resources can be ordered from the Golf Foundation at a small charge.

This initiative was under development in 2006, and the marketing and new promotional materials attached to the Junior Golf Passport have now been released for clubs and schools to use as of April 2007.

2.6  National Statistics

2.6.1  EGU

*Please note this figure now includes Artisan clubs

2.6.2  EWGA

2.6.3  Key facts (from 2006 EGU EWGA membership questionnaire)

As well as the above, other key findings resulting from the questionnaire included:

Highest increase in boys, lowest in adult females

No real change in membership fees, apart from adult females

Golf clubs more flexible in accepting new members

Many positive junior trends emerging