SGBGolf_May09_p3:SGBGolf_May09_p3 05/05/2009 09:20 Page 1
Issue No. 76
May 2009
First
words...
The AGM of the British Golf Industry Association, which was held at Woburn on April 6, may
already seem a distant memory to those who attended. There are parts of snooker player Willie
Thorne’s after-dinner speech that are not yet distant enough mind you, so I won’t address that,
but from the more important pre-dinner meeting, the BGIA is to be applauded for providing
quality information the trade can work with.
In his Chairman’s Report, David Wells referred to a recent report on golf participation published
by Sports Marketing Surveys, that estimates there are just over four million golfers in Great Britain
– or eight per cent of the adult population. Wells compared this to the participation rate of 12.5%
in the United States, “underlining that there is still enormous potential for the game to grow”.
Matching the US figure would mean finding another two million golfers in GB, and kitting them
out would provide some major opportunities. It is therefore good to see that the Golf Foundation
is making strides in grass roots development (see Chipping In on page 10).
Also with a view to unearthing new business, Wells stated that the BGIA has published a report
on the European Golf Apparel & Footwear markets, in three comprehensive volumes. You can
read more about this report in our News section (page 8), where SGB Golf is embarking on a
series of exclusive country summaries, and for companies looking to position themselves ahead of
the growth of golf in developing European markets, this report is packed with insightful research
and information.
The underlining message from the BGIA, backed up by reliable data, is one of optimism; that
there is potential to be fulfilled, abroad and even in the ‘mature’ golf market in the UK. It is a good
point, well made by the BGIA. The association is serving its membership well.
Robin Barwick, Editor
On the cover . . .

t
o
u
r
o
n
May 2009
Collection item
New license agreement
for Ping Collection the base for every successful golf swing
Improve your dynamic balance for powerful more accurate
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Money makers
Making it count on the
greens – see our putters
ProStance
No.1
showcase
ProStance is a revolutionary training aid developed by Dr Paul
All the small things Hurrion, coach to Padraig Harrington, and it is used by over
Introducing SGB’s debut
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striking, and also for smoother, consistent putting strokes,
SGB Golf working
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the British Golf
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Association www.pro-stance.com
ProStance is the base for every successful golf swing.
Always
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