WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH:
JUNIOR GOLF GUIDE
Supporting golf clubs to develop the game for juniors, making golf fun!
FOREWORD
Our junior players are the future of golf. As such, we are here to support and hopefully inspire golf clubs and facilities to provide opportunities for young people to pick up a club for the first time, have a lot of fun, and go as far as they wish to in the game. Through our Respect in Golf movement, we are committed to ensuring anybody and everybody is welcome to take up golf, and this is paramount for young people.
No child should ever feel afraid or unsure whether to try golf, and we want to ensure the opportunities are there for them to benefit from the game.
Whether it’s playing adventure golf, hitting balls at a driving range or going on to play on a full 18-hole course, golf can cater for everyone.
Likewise, golf can provide youngsters with vital mental and physical benefits, especially in developing key skills, making new friends and most importantly, having a hobby/pastime they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Jeremy Tomlinson – England Golf Chief Executive Officer
Juniors
are the future of the game of golf.
The Golf Foundation is proud to have collaborated with England Golf on the Junior Golf Guide — a vital resource designed to help golf clubs grow and strengthen their junior sections. By combining our expertise and clearly outlining the support available from both organisations, we aim to provide clubs with practical guidance at every stage of the junior pathway. This new toolkit highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, enjoy, and thrive in golf, and we’re fully committed to supporting its success.
Brendon Pyle – Golf Foundation CEO
Juniors represent the future of golf, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the sport. It’s essential to create a welcoming environment and to create a positive experience where young people can learn, grow, and develop their skills. This guide has been designed and developed to help golf clubs in building a Junior Journey that supports them in creating strong foundations through a pathway to grow junior golf.
It's also there to provide a fun and safe environment to inspire the next generation, creating lifelong affiliations with the game, and ensuring a thriving future for the sport.
Laura Yapp – England Golf Junior Development Manager
INTRODUCTION
In 2023, we conducted research to understand the perceptions of the game, what individuals' priorities and influences are, the barriers, and how we can learn from successes to tailor how we support and develop junior golf. During the research we spoke to:
• Golf clubs
• Parents
• Young people
From the research, it was identified that 70% of golf clubs felt that they needed a blueprint for what makes a successful junior section and the steps to get there.
To support golf clubs, we have created this Junior Golf Guide which is designed to:
• Encourage golf clubs to create or develop the junior section
• Break down the key stages to provide structured guidance to best suit your golf club's needs
• Provide a Junior Journey which golf clubs can adopt, creating opportunities and a pathway at the club for young people to learn and play
The guide follows and aligns to the Junior Journey that has been created by England Golf and the Golf Foundation to support golf clubs and young people to get the most out of golf, whether it be from first swing at a school through to golf club membership. We have developed information, guidance and resources that can support your golf club to inspire enjoyment and inclusion while providing activities that support a young person's development in the game.
To support golf clubs, we have created a dedicated website page which will provide information and resources. Scan the QR code to take you to the site.
JUNIOR JOURNEY
85% of golf clubs said it was important to have a sport-wide ‘development pathway’ for junior golfers to follow.
We have developed the Junior Journey to provide a blueprint for golf clubs, showing the stages a young person takes in their golfing Journey. Golf clubs can utilise the Junior Journey as a framework to identify any gaps in the current junior golf offer and where there is potential to develop and grow the number in the future.
We are committed to creating sustained participation and love for the game. The Junior Journey highlights the steps a young person takes from being a beginner through to golf club membership.
Our goals for junior golf:
• Introduce children and young people to golf
• Create positive perceptions of golf
• Opportunities to play regularly and develop lifelong skills
• Creating fun experiences and inclusive cultures across the Junior Journey
• Inspire lifelong membership and love for the game
Scan the QR code for more information about the Junior Journey and the collaboration between England Golf and the Golf Foundation
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Coaching or fun sessions
The Junior Journey highlights the five key stages, shown in the diagram on the left, to support the development and continued participation of juniors at the golf club.
There are three key areas that will support golf clubs to create an environment in which young people can thrive in, building the foundation which the junior section can grow and develop.
SafeGolf and Respect in Golf – Creating safe and inclusive environments and places for juniors to play golf
Providing a pathway – a stepped approach from first swing through to membership
Workforce and volunteers - individuals and a team working to encourage and support the development of the junior section
As part of the Junior Journey, the Junior Hub Award has been created, with the goal of identifying and showcasing clubs that are the ‘right place’ for juniors to try, learn, and love golf. The award will highlight and support a club's commitment to growing the junior section, something that clubs can aspire to achieve.
BECOMING A JUNIOR HUB
Before you apply, speak with key personnel at the golf club about the award, e.g., General Manager, Junior Organiser and PGA Coach.
Have a dedicated individual who will lead the application process and be the main point of contact for the teams.
Be affiliated to England Golf and have SafeGolf and Respect in Golf in date.
Obtain a copy of the club’s SafeGolf personnel register before you start the application.
Be prepared to provide evidence of your current junior offer in the various stages of the Junior Journey.
BENEFITS OF BECOMING A JUNIOR HUB:
• Access to a dedicated member of the England Golf and Golf Foundation Team
• Promote Junior Hub clubs to anyone looking to get their kids into golf
• Assets to promote the club as a Junior Hub
• Provide access to guidance and resources which can support your golf club in building a pathway for juniors to develop
• Connecting with school and community groups who are already delivering golf programmes
• Join a community of clubs who prioritise and develop junior golf, sharing best practice and success stories
Scan the QR code to complete the Junior Hub application
SCAN CODE TO FIND OUT MORE OR GET SUPPORT WITH THE JUNIOR HUB AWARD AND CRITERIA
TERMS OF AFFILIATION
England Golf is committed and responsible as the national governing body for the amateur game to not only protect golf's image and integrity, but to promote a safe, inclusive and accessible sport for all to play and enjoy.
This is why we prioritise supporting affiliated clubs and counties in implementing and maintaining suitable policies and procedures as mandatory Terms of Affiliation. SCAN
ENGLAND GOLF AFFILIATION FEE
There are many benefits included in the affiliation fee. These include access to and having a Handicap Index®, personal liability insurance, and access to benefits and discounts. As soon as juniors’ affiliation fees are paid, the golf club needs to add them to the WHSTM system so that they get their membership number and can access the MyEG app.
MEMBER DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
To align with their ED&I and safeguarding policies, as well as other club rules and codes of conduct, it is vital that a golf club has a set of robust disciplinary procedures to ensure that issues can be dealt with effectively and consistently. We support golf clubs in providing guidance as to what should be included in a disciplinary procedure and have a full template to be utilised to ensure that the criteria is met.
SAFEGUARDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Through supporting golf clubs in achieving and maintaining the SafeGolf accreditation, the golf community can collectively ensure that minimum safeguarding standards are met, as recommended by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). This promotes that golf clubs are safe places for children and vulnerable adults to learn, play and enjoy golf, through effective policy, consistent procedures, staff and volunteer training, and essential DBS checks.
COMPLIANCE WITH WHSTM HANDICAPPING
Within club rules and/or their constitution documents, golf clubs must agree to comply with the WHS™ Rules of Handicapping, and any conditions/ discretions imposed within the system by England Golf. An integral part of this compliance is to ensure that there is an appointed ‘Competitions and Handicapping Committee’ as required under the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Handicapping, which shall have control of competition and handicapping matters at the golf club.
& INCLUSION
(ED&I) POLICY
In having a suitable, up-to-date ED&I policy, golf clubs can both set expectations of inclusive behaviour, processes and standards, and promote their adherence to the Equality Act (2010) and their commitment to tackle any form of discrimination. We support golf clubs in implementing a suitable policy through providing a template and guidance as to what must be included.
RECOGNISING THE RULES OF GOLF AS SET BY THE R&A
Within the golf club rules and/or their constitution documents, golf clubs must agree to recognise The R&A as the body responsible for the Rules of Golf and amateur status, and to abide by them in the competitive playing of the game. Where breaches of the rules take place, county bodies and England Golf are a part of the appeal process, set out in the disciplinary procedures.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THIS GUIDE
Every set-up for children and juniors at the golf club will be different.
By breaking down the key areas, this guide is designed to encourage and support golf clubs to:
• Understand what support is available to them from England Golf and the Golf Foundation
• Develop the junior section and pathway to support young people at your golf club
• Help golf clubs to recruit more young people into the golf club, retain them as junior members and sustain them into intermediate and adult membership
• Identify people and team that may be needed and the roles and responsibilities
• Provide guidance and resource which is easy to use, enabling you to work at the golf club’s pace Below highlights the steps and journey the golf club will take in providing opportunities for young people to start and stay in golf.
The diagram on the opposite page provides what is available to support your golf club in providing a pathway, and opportunities for young people to try, learn and play golf at your golf club. You can use these steps to:
• Look at what your golf club currently offers
• See if there is anything else the golf club can offer
• Look at how the golf club can recruit and retain more young people
• Identify the support team the golf club and juniors need to continue the development and growth
JUNIOR HUB AWARD
If your golf club has a junior section and provides opportunities for young people, then here is a reminder to look at the Junior Hub Award on page 9.
Clubs can also develop and enhance the culture and environment for young people by working with one of our team to complete the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion checklists and toolkits. Contact your Club & County Support Officer to find out more.
JUNIOR GOLF GUIDE & WEBSITE
Understand what support is available and from which organisation and how it can help you to implement change.
JUNIOR JOURNEY
The steps a young person takes from swinging the club for the first time through to membership and how the golf club can develop their own journey.
TOOLKIT
Online hub with relevant resources to support the golf club.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
Continue to provide and develop the opportunities for young people at the golf club.
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING JUNIORS AT THE GOLF CLUB
INCREASING INCOME - JUNIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN
DIVERSIFY INCOME AND REVENUE INTO THE GOLF CLUB
Parents and family members can join as social or golf members, bringing more income into the golf club
The golf shop and professionals can benefit from purchasing equipment, clothing and also golf lessons
Through junior competitions and family events, income into the golf club can be increased
OFFER A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Parents and families feeling welcome in the clubhouse may purchase food and drinks and use the club to eat out
Create a friendly and welcoming environment, encouraging non-playing parents and family members to use the facilities
Communicating and sharing the opportunities and pathway, showing the commitment to the junior and their family
Involving parents and family in the golf club can encourage more to volunteer and support the juniors
CREATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLFERS
Opportunities to try, learn and play golf will help to keep young people playing the game and being members for longer
More young people may be encouraged to stay into intermediate and adult memberships if they have felt included and welcomed at the club, along with their families
SELF-RECRUITING MEMBERSHIP
• Juniors recommend to their friends, parents recommend to other parents
• Being family-friendly and increasing junior membership numbers can have a snowball effect on recruitment
• For those new to golf, word of mouth is one of the main ways new junior golfers are attracted to play
58% of junior golfers are highly likely to recommend golf to their friends
65% of parents of junior golfers are highly likely to recommend golf to other parents
CONTRIBUTES TO THE FUTURE OF THE GOLF CLUB
By attracting junior members and giving them a good golfing experience, they are likely to continue their membership into the future.
81% of junior members had their membership for over a year
89% of parents agree their child is likely to be a member in two years ' time
CREATING THE RIGHT CULTURE AT THE GOLF CLUB
Culture is what someone is made to feel when they visit the golf club. There are three areas a golf club can think about when welcoming new young people, as well as supporting their existing junior members.
Positive culture is created through ‘the way things are done’ .
HOW
How does the golf club want people to feel when they are at the golf club and what can be done to ensure this?
WHAT
What can golf club staff and members do to support the junior section?
WHY
Why is it important to integrate young people into the golf club?
Having clear aspirations for young people who visit or join the golf club creates a welcoming atmosphere for young people and their families.
Activity for the golf club
:
Ask the committee and young people at the golf club to discuss and answer the following questions. These will help to gain feedback about the current culture at the golf club. From these answers, see if there is anything the golf club can look to change or develop.
• What three words would you use to define the golf club’s culture?
• How do you feel when you go to the golf club or play on the golf course?
• How do people talk to each other and the juniors at the golf club?
• What experience do you want from golf?
• Does everyone feel safe and supported at the club?
It is important that you include young people and junior members in the decisionmaking at golf clubs, especially those that affect them. Understanding what they want from a golf club can create an environment which is positive and welcoming for all members and visitors.
Involve the juniors by getting their feedback
:
• Ask junior members for feedback on topics and questions that affect them
• Include the Junior Captain as part of the Junior Support Team/Committee
• Speak to parents and see if they have any suggestions or feedback
• Have a standard agenda item on the Junior Support Team/Committee to feed back anything from the young people and junior members at your golf club
The culture of the club is vital and can have an impact on the junior section and those who are volunteering to support it. It is important to provide the right environment and support for young people to continue participation beyond being a junior. Creating a safe, welcoming and friendly environment by all members for all members, supports the development of a vibrant junior section.
THE JUNIOR GOLF OFFER
The top three reasons why junior golfers enjoy playing golf is:
• Being able to play with family
• Taking part in competitions
• Being outside
When the golf club is developing any opportunity for young people or junior golfers, it is important that they are put at the heart of any plans or considerations.
When developing the junior section and opportunities available, consider the following:
• Getting full buy-in from the golf club and its committee/s
• The environment that the golf club wants to create for juniors and their families
• Access to trained individuals who will promote the welfare and safety of all participants, for example, the Club Welfare Officer
• The experience that the golf club would like young people and juniors to have
• What the pathway and progression looks like for juniors to develop their golf at the club
• How much does it cost for lessons or to join the golf club?
• Who is there to support young people and juniors at each of the stages?
Keeping the golf club’s SafeGolf accreditation up to date shows the club’s commitment to keeping juniors safe.
At all these stages, it is important to have in place both paid staff and volunteers supporting the junior activity and development. Building a support team to underpin the junior offer at the golf club will ensure that there is sustained participation and engagement from the junior golfers.
BARRIERS
We know that there are many barriers to young people starting or continuing to play golf. The research highlights the below reasons for not starting or staying in golf:
• Friends don’t play
• It's too expensive
• It takes too long
of juniors really enjoy golf if their club has a pathway to progress, compared to just 67% of juniors whose golf club doesn't
• They can’t get on the golf course when they want
• There aren’t enough competitions for their age or skill level
• They dont understand the rules
When developing your golf club's junior pathway and membership, consider the above barriers and how you can prevent these as much as possible. Also talk to your current junior members and their families to understand when they are a member of the club and what value and benefits they like and get.
BUILDING A SUPPORT TEAM
To develop and build the Junior Journey at a golf club, it needs the right people supporting it
Every golf club is different which means the roles and responsibilities will be different.
• Identify if the club needs any additional support, if there is anything you would like to add to t he pathway, and who you may need to recruit to help you with this
• Look at and write down what your club currently does for young people and juniors at the club.
Put this into a pathway and create your own Junior Journey
• Next to what your club does, write down which individuals are involved wit h and support t his activity
• Put the journey or junior offer into a document for the whole club to see
• Be clear on what the vision is for the junior section or journey, and identify who is needed to support this
Creating a team
Here are some tips and ideas to attract people to be part of the team:
• Understand why people choose to give up their time to support golf
• The golf club promotes the volunteer opportunities on offer, especially those for young people
• You ask people to get involved. The direct approach is often a winner
• Include volunteering questions in an annual survey. Ask people if they are willing to help, how much time they can offer, and what skills and experience they have
TOP TIPS
Encourage people to get started by helping informally at junior activity, coaching or events. Once they feel more confident, they may commit to a specific role requiring more time.
Supporting and growing a team
• Have roles and responsibilities and make sure these are shared
• Make volunteers feel valued for their input and effort. It also goes a long way saying, ‘t hank you’, so consider how the golf club can reward the volunteers in making them feel valued
• Ensure there is support for new and existing volunteers
• Match volunteer roles with the skills and interests of the person, there are many transferable skills in work and volunteering
• Provide support or mentoring from other volunteers in the club
To ensure that there is a consistent team of support, it is important to create a succession plan, especially for the main volunteer roles. This will make sure that you are never short of people required to be successful.
TOP TIPS
Communicate regularly with the volunteers and those helping support the junior section.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET INFORMATION ON BUILDING THE SUPPORT TEAM AT YOUR GOLF CLUB. IT INCLUDES EXAMPLE ROLES AND RESPONSIBLENESS AND A TEMPLATE ROLE DESCRIPTION
Club Committees and Juniors
In order to create a positive culture, it is important that the junior section and those involved link to the main golf club committee and the golf club’s governance structure.
Here are some ideas of how a club can do this:
• Ensuring t he aims and objectives for the juniors are shared with the club's main committees/boards
• Roles and responsibilities of the paid and volunteer workforce are clear and documented
• Juniors is a standard item on the club's meeting agenda
• Consider juniors in any decisions that may affect them
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CLUB GOVERNANCE AND HOW JUNIORS CAN BE INCLUDED IN THIS, TAKE A LOOK AT THE ‘BLUEPRINT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE’ GUIDE
THE JUNIOR ORGANISER
A CHANCE TO INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE GAME
It is one of the most familiar roles that golf clubs have, to provide support to the young people. This, however, doesn’t always have to be one person, the roles and responsibilities can be shared between other volunteers or you could have more than one person working together. Junior Organisers, who work together with the wider committees, paid staff and volunteers at the club, develop successful junior sections. There isn’t an exhaustive list of who to work with, and clubs can develop their own roles to suit the needs of their club.
48% of parents say that having a Junior Organiser is important for making a golf club family-friendly
Get your juniors involved
The club can also get the juniors and young people involved in volunteering. Through volunteering, young people can learn the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship. It is a rewarding experience that can leave a lasting impact on both the volunteer and the community they serve.
Here are some of the individuals that Junior Organisers may work with, or have support from:
CLUB PRO TEAM
JUNIOR SUPPORT TEAM
66% of junior parents are not currently volunteering but 76% of them WOULD consider volunteering in the future
CLUB WELFARE OFFICER
JUNIOR ORGANISER
PARENTS
CLUB MANAGER
JUNIORS
Creating links with schools and communities to enable young people to take the next step in the Junior Journey
The Golf Foundation has developed ‘Unleash Your Drive’ which is a comprehensive programme that can be delivered over six weeks by any teacher thanks to the easy-to-follow printed and digital resources, specially adapted Golfway equipment, and built-in evaluation. Nine mental toughness tools are embedded within the programme, which will help prepare children for all the challenges that life throws their way.
The Golf Foundation can help you connect with local schools and community groups, who are delivering the ‘Unleash Your Drive’ programme, and support you with local promotion to recruit from them. It is also possible for PGA Coaches and Community Golf Instructors to deliver the programme locally by completing the online training modules.
By building a relationship with schools and community groups who are already delivering golf, you are more likely to be successful with your recruitment plans.
Community Golf Instructor
The Community Golf Instructor course has been designed to train other potential volunteers from within a club to lead fun, games-based activities that provide an ideal first experience in golf for young people.
Community Golf Instructor has been set up to create a dedicated new workforce to help grow the game, with the focus of getting golf into schools, communities and more beginner activity into golf clubs.
Once trained, instructors will be able to lead beginner and introductory activity independently, working in a paid or voluntary capacity, without it affecting their ‘amateur status’ as a golfer.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE IN SCHOOLS AND HOW YOU CAN DELIVER OR PROMOTE LOCALLY, SCAN THE QR CODE
Community Golf Instructors will also receive access to an extensive range of supporting documents that will help instructors carry out their roles. Along with this, they receive access to an online peer community to share success stories and ideas, but to also pose questions to fellow Community Golf Instructors.
Community Golf Instructors must complete a UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children Course, as well as completing an England Golf DBS Check, in order to become a fully approved Community Golf Instructor.
TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY GOLF INSTRUCTOR PROGRAMMES, SCAN THE QR CODE
It is important, that with links to either schools or community activity and delivery, that the golf club bridges the gap and creates a pathway for young people to access the golf club.
CLUB INTRODUCTION
There will be many young people who pick up a golf club for the first time or have their first experience of the game at a golf club.
Introductory offers will differ from club to club, but there are some key considerations to remember:
• Creating a welcoming environment for both the young people who attend, and those who bring them to t he golf club, will help them to have a positive first experience
• Ensuring that the activities and sessions are fun and engaging so that those participating will want to keep coming back each week
• Have an offer that can be shared and communicated and provides a clear pathway and opportunity to progress and develop
• Have a support team and people in place to support t he activity
• Be creative and adaptable with your facilities, particularly if you have limited options on certain disciplines of t he game. We can help you with different ideas in our support ing resources.
DISCUSSION ACTIVITY TO IDENTIFY WHAT ACTIVITY IS OFFERED AT THE GOLF CLUB
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE ON THE ABOVE OR OTHER BEGINNER ACTIVITIES, SCAN THE QR CODE
Remember to get feedback from the juniors and their families on what the golf club is doing. Find a time where the junior section team, including the PGA Professionals, can discuss the feedback and ideas that have been put forward. It is also important to share this with the golf club management and committees.
Here are some ideas and considerations for a golf club looking at developing or enhancing their beginner and introductory offer.
Run Golf Foundation's ‘Unleash Your Drive in Clubs’
six-week programme which directly follows on from the ‘Unleash Your Drive in Schools' programme.
Run England Golf junior initiatives to give clubs additional support when developing an introductory experience.
Run dedicated ‘bring a friend’ tasters of any current junior or member, a great way for any potential new junior to experience the facilities with someone they’re familiar with.
Run taster ‘Get into Golf’ sessions, providing an opportunity for t he club to lead some fun sessions to give a taste of what sessions are on offer at the club.
36% of parents say that having a dedicated PGA Professional and volunteers to support juniors is important for making a golf club family-friendly
88% of parents agree that it is equally or more important for clubs to focus on fun, as it is on development, for their child in golf
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GET INTO GOLF LINKED TO JUNIOR AND FAMILY ACTIVITY, SCAN HERE
TOP TIPS
Golf clubs can help to make beginners feel more comfortable when they attend by:
• Providing golf equipment
• Relaxing the dress code
It is important to communicate with your current members about development of juniors at your club. Everyone was a beginner once, so ensure they are as supportive and encouraging to all juniors as possible (we all make mistakes sometimes!).
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Introducing coaching through FUN, skill-based programme
Introducing and delivering FUN, skill and games-based sessions and activity is a great way to keep young people engaged in the game - providing group activity which they can do with others and providing alternative forms of playing the game.
The Junior Golf Challenge engages beginner golfers by transforming practice into fun, game-like challenges focused on chipping, long game, and putting. Participants use provided scorecards to track progress over three separate sessions, fostering motivation through visible improvement. Completing all six challenges earns a certificate.
The Junior Golf Challenge is ideal for junior golfers who are beginners or just getting their first handicap.
PLAY GOLF
Enable skills to be put into practice on the golf course regularly
Getting out on the golf course can be exciting and daunting for juniors.
Providing a positive experience when encouraging and helping juniors to take the next step and start playing on the golf course, is important. This is the next step in the pathway for a lot of juniors who are learning to play golf. Here are a few considerations when developing opportunities to play:
• Start by playing just one hole and play from just in front of the green or use shorter tees
• Help introduce them to the rules and etiquette by running some fun indoor scenarios and quizzes to help before going on the golf course
• Encouraging different individual and team activities and formats for the juniors to play. Try integrat ing with other sections of the golf club in fun competitions creating a whole-club culture
If the club is looking to recruit juniors into coaching sessions, to start and encourage weekly activity, then Girls Golf Rocks and Get into Golf Rookies is a good way to develop this. Both programmes are delivered for six weeks, one hour a week, with the last session giving on-course experience. They are designed to support young people taking their first steps into group activity, while still having fun and learning the skills of the game.
Only 21% of juniors having coaching in clubs are girls, so Girls Golf Rocks is a great way to encourage more girls to get involved and build a social group that keeps them wanting to come back.
Discuss with the juniors:
What different opportunities are there for young people and juniors to play at the club? Do these cater for all abilities?
What would the juniors like to see more/less of?
It is important to remember that when developing opportunities to play, the golf club should offer a ‘young person-centred approach’, to ensure where possible they get feedback and input from juniors on the offer and what is available to them.
GolfSixes League
The GolfSixes League programme enables a positive, fun experience of playing on the golf course. It involves a squad of 12 players, teams of six, playing six holes in pairs, playing a Texas Scramble format. This format is designed for players with no handicap or a Handicap Index® of 37.0 and above. The Golf Foundation has a host of resources and a league management system to support all clubs who are part of a GolfSixes League.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GOLFSIXES AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED, SCAN THE QR CODE.
As the juniors improve, there are other opportunities that could be provided:
• Encouraging juniors to get handicaps, progressing from nine-hole cards and developing their game to 18 holes
• Playing in junior teams and competit ions
• Integrating into and playing in other sections’ competit ions, events and teams
• Signpost to the county pathways for their team and playing opportunities
BEING PART OF THE CLUB
We want juniors to keep coming back to the club...
Making the golf club a welcoming place for juniors and their families to visit will have a positive impact on their experiences, making them more likely to want to become members and be part of the club.
There are many perceptions when joining a golf club for the first time:
• It is expensive to play
• It takes up too much t ime
• Not feeling welcome at a club
The golf club, its members, and those who are part of the support team in the junior section, can break down these perceptions and provide a welcoming atmosphere and environment which encourages and supports all abilities.
Junior Memberships
Ensuring that there is an easy process, which introduces young people and their families to the club and its membership, will encourage them to stay at the golf club.
To support their junior members further, clubs can:
• Have an induction process providing all the information and show a new member (and their families) what they may need to know
• Provide all new juniors and their parents with a welcome pack which provides key information and contacts they may need
• Identify and ask older juniors to act as buddies to support those new to the game
• Organise a pre-season get together/welcome meeting for new juniors at t he beginning of the year, to integrate them into both the junior section and the club
• Run activities and socials that involve the whole family, not just those who are members
• Provide regular communication to both juniors and their families, as well as the wider membership
Continued support for junior members
Once juniors are active members of the golf club, it is important to continue to provide them with the support and opportunities to develop and progress in the game. These opportunities spread across the whole club and can include the following:
• Access to group and individual coaching sessions which are fun and provide progression and improvement
• Variety of formats and activities which can be played in teams or as individuals, as well as access to playing in competitions within other sections of the club
• Short course for those stepping onto the course for the first time. Consider gett ing a short course rated to help new golfers get their first handicap
• Support with learning the rules of t he game
• Opportunity for non-golfing parents/guardians to be social members of t he golf club
• Specific fun junior gatherings and activities to encourage further integrat ion
TOP TIP
Research shows that
% of clubs agree they have INCREASED their membership numbers due to their commitment to the junior section
Do a competitor analysis, and see what other golf clubs charge junior members, including what benefits they also offer.
BEING PART OF THE CLUB
Promoting Junior Membership
When encouraging those who are attending club activities, coaching taster sessions, or promoting to potential new members, it is important to promote the benefits of joining the golf club. Families may look for a membership offer they feel is the best value for them. Some of these benefits could include:
• Family packages and offers
• Academy membership offer for those in coaching and learning to play
• Incremental membership options for older juniors and into adult memberships
• Structured and progressive coaching for junior members
• Varied competitions suitable for different abilities
• Member discounts, for example, on food, drink, and range balls for the juniors and t heir family members
Where to advertise
There are several places golf clubs can consider advertising their junior activity. England Golf research shows that 39% of clubs said their most succesful approach to promote to juniors is through their adult members. Other opportunities include:
• Creating links with, or advertising at, local schools and colleges
• Creating social media campaigns and promoting through the club’s network, ut ilising the paid advertising function to target parents
• Advertising at local community and leisure centres
• Running open days and taster sessions for young people and t heir families to attend and give golf a go
of young people say they are more satisfied with their opportunities to progress and get better when they are involved at a golf club that provides a positive and inclusive experience.
DISCUSSION ACTIVITY
As a golf club and Junior Support Team, discuss the benefits the golf club provides to the junior members and their families.
• Make a note of these
• Promote t hem
• Look to see if there is anyt hing else young people and t heir families may want
• Remember to include the young people and juniors in the discussions
70% of clubs promote their Junior Membership on social media and 21%
say this is their most successful approach (this was the second most successful approach after promoting through current adult members)
WHAT TO DO NEXT ?
It can sometimes be daunting to develop something new or make a change. We are here to help and support golf clubs, below is a step by step of what you can do and how we can support you.
REVIEW THE GOLF CLUB'S CURRENT JUNIOR PATHWAY
Look at each stage of the Junior Journey and make a note of what the club currently offers for juniors at each stage. When doing this, make sure that you have all the relevant people round the table and involved to include everything.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CLUB & COUNTY SUPPORT OFFICER
To arrange a discussion and tell us about what the club currently has for juniors and what it would like to do.
JUNIOR TEAM VOLUNTEERS
Make a note of all those who are involved in the team supporting the junior section, this can include both paid staff and volunteers. For each of these individuals, identify their roles and responsibilities. Also consider how the Junior Support Team is connected to the club’s main management and committees, and whose roles this links to.
ACTION PLANNING
With the support of England Golf and the Golf Foundation, set out the goals for the junior section, identifying the timescales and people required.
COMPLETE THE JUNIOR HUB APPLICATION FORM
If your club is not already signed up or already been awarded with the Junior Hub status.
WHO CAN HELP SUPPORT
England Golf and the Golf Foundation have an experienced and knowledgeable team that clubs can get direct access to for additional information and support.
Golf Foundation
SCAN THE QR CODE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
These resources can also support your club in creating or developing a junior section.
‹ Resources and templates Webinars ›
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT WHO YOUR CLUB & COUNTY SUPPORT OFFICER IS
Our team of Regional Development Officers (RDO) can assist you with creating links with schools and community groups to introduce children to golf. We provide resources, training and equipment to support both coaches and teachers to deliver in these environments. They will also provide guidance and best practice on how to recruit new juniors from this activity into clubs, they will work with you to develop a comprehensive introduction offer whether that be an initial programme, or club taster/open days. We have expertise on creating playing opportunities to create regular junior golfers and work collaboratively with the England Golf officer to develop the club player pathway. The team also have dedicated staff for our two popular programmes, ‘Unleash Your Drive which is delivered in schools and communities, and ‘GolfSixes League’ which provides new juniors and beginners the experience and enjoyment of playing on the golf course.
GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE GOLF FOUNDATION
Club & County Support Team
The team of Club & County Support Officers (CCSOs) are on hand to support golf clubs in the development and growth of the junior section, providing information and guidance to help the team of people at the golf club in building a pathway which supports juniors, from coaching through to club membership, also working collaboratively with the Golf Foundation to ensure the foundations are in place to be able to recruit young people into the golf club. The team will help the golf club to understand what change could look like by providing information and guidance to integrate young people and the benefits they can bring. Alongside the Junior Golf Guide, they will bring their knowledge to help the golf club provide additional value, as it starts to identify areas which it would like to develop and improve. From a structure perspective, the team can support with an overview of wider club governance work, which could involve ensuring that junior development is represented and appreciated at the top level, as well as development and support around SafeGolf and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, through access to toolkits identifying where changes to embrace inclusivity can be made.
CONTACT US: England Golf
The National Golf Centre
The Broadway, Woodhall Spa LN10 6PU
01526 354500 juniorgolf@englandgolf.org © 2024
Should you require this document in an alternative format (e.g., accessible Office 365 version, Easy Read or clear/large print) then please contact pr@englandgolf.org