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Sections Eight and Nine
8.1 SNAG
SNAG
is an acronym for Start New At Golf
and is a plastic version of golf designed to add fun to the
learning and playing experience.
The SNAG ball has a limited distance with the average player
hitting it a maximum of 50 yards.
SNAG has two clubs: one for pitching and chipping the
ball, called the Launcher and the other for putting,
called the Roller.
All pitch and chip shots are played off a small rubber
tee called the Launch Pad.
The target is a weighted cylinder covered with Velcro
material, called the Flagsticky.
The SNAG ball is slightly smaller than a tennis ball but
of similar texture, sticks to the Flagsticky. For further
information see -
www.snaggolf.com
The entire game is portable and can be adapted for indoor or
outdoor use. SNAG
offers a training programme and tools that make learning the
game fun.
8.2 Young Masters Golf
Young Masters Golf has been developed as a business enterprise
by a team of golf professionals.
It is a teaching programme designed for children aged 6
to 16 years. Lesson
plans have been written covering all aspects of the game,
including rules and etiquette.
Golf clubs are required to purchase a marketing package
and aim to increase their revenues by selling courses of lessons
to juniors. The cost
of 6 lessons ranges from £40 to £65.
The following clubs offer YMG in the
*This collection of data was taken from the Young Masters Golf (YMG)
website and is correct as of June 2008, however this is subject
to change
Section Nine
9.0
Forum Feedback and SWOT analysis The following items were identified at the Middlesex Golf Forum(s) on:
Tuesday 9th October
2007 at Ealing Golf Club Wednesday 10th
October at Hendon Golf Club
Strengths
Many volunteers in the game Wealth of junior initiatives All ages and abilities can compete together An all year round sport A very sociable game, both on and off the course Golf is enjoyable providing high levels of personal satisfaction
Weaknesses
Cost of equipment and membership. Time taken to play a round of golf (approx 4 hrs) Perception of golf as a stuffy, middle-class sport Dress codes can be off putting to younger people Lack of introductory schemes for girls and ladies Other interests (including other sports or social events) Lack of new members Lack of packages for ‘family’ golf Profusion of ‘2 for 1’ offers may reduce incentive for casual
golfers to join a club Membership structures do not cater for modern career and family
lifestyles Novice golfers not always welcomed/catered for Wealth of society and corporate golf available, which reduces the
incentive to join a golf club Very little golf promotion to engage a wider audience (including
role models)
Recruitment Issues18 to 40 age group Girls – most clubs have very few girls within their junior ranks More families required More ‘taster’ sessions are required to allow people to try out golf,
as a sport, without initial commitment Unitised membership schemes aimed at the 35 to 55 age group, who
perhaps due to family and career commitments may only be
able to play occasionally Monthly payment plans for membership fees Sliding scales of membership when transferring from junior to
intermediate etc. More golf played in schools – tri-golf, school-club links Partnerships with other facilities (e.g. driving ranges, fitness
centres etc) Relaxed dress code – make golf trendy
Priority Groups for Recruitment
Juniors 18 to 40 age group Young females Family groups Ethnic groups Couples 35 to 55 age group – including those returning to golf after
inactivity due to family/career/financial pressures Local community groups and schools
Retention Opportunities
High levels of social and competitive activities within a club Membership packages tailored to the needs of members, particularly
for the 18 to 40 age group Coaching programmes for all age groups and competences ‘Academy’ schemes to gradually introduce novice golfers to the game
and the club. This has the effect of improving the
confidence (and competence) of the novice and ensuring that
he/she is properly integrated into the club Good social life within the club – plenty of varied social events Improve the image of amateur golf in the press and on television and
provide young people with role models with whom they can
identify Provide a graduated fee structure to junior golfers emerging into
the senior ranks.
Future plans, strategy and important areas
What do clubs require from Middlesex Golf Partnership? A Development Plan that sets out how more people can be introduced
to golf and persuaded to join a golf club, together with
timescales and targets Dissemination of the many examples of good practice already taking
place in individual clubs More promotion and marketing of facilities and opportunities within
our affiliated clubs (including club packages) Training and equipment opportunities for volunteers within clubs and
schools More golf in schools Administration and promotion of EGU/EWGA grants for ‘taster
sessions’ at local level (including local support and
advice) A Golf Partnership website which provides advice, guidance and
information on initiatives which are planned and underway,
together with links to other relevant websites (pick and mix
menu of options)
9.1
Forum Questionnaire Analysis
This table represents the views of the delegates
that attended the two club forums across Middlesex. Each delegate
was asked to complete a Questionnaire on behalf of their golf club,
regardless of position, with a view to determine the key areas that
need to be focused on in order to make the overall project a
success.
Please note: Detailed
analysis of each forum has been constructed and can be shown upon
request
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