HUNDREDS JOIN CLUBS AS WALES ‘PICKS IT UP’
Hundreds of golfers and would-be golfers joined clubs in Wales as part of Golf Awareness Week, living up to the slogan ‘Pick it up for the Ryder Cup.’
It is estimated that will bring around half a million pounds into Welsh golf clubs over the next three years - and could be worth a million pounds to the game in Wales under typical membership patterns.
The week was run immediately after the Masters by Golf Development Wales, part of the Golf Union of Wales, and backed by the sport’s governing body the R and A, with special offers, chances to play and coaching available all round the country.
More than 100 golf clubs in Wales took part in the week, offering free golf and
coaching to demonstrate the benefi ts of golf and club membership in the biggest ever initiative run by Golf Development Wales.
Hundred of children took part in special festivals all round Wales, while clubs threw open their doors for people to come along to give golf a go and ‘Pick it up for the Ryder Cup.’
The scheme was heavily praised by clubs throughout Wales, for example Maesteg who picked up 12 new members in the week and also increased their junior ranks.
“It was fantastic to be honest,” explained club pro Tom Davies. “We did not have loads and loads of people turning up to play golf but the majority of the people who did took up our membership offer so it went down really well."
The impact was felt all over Wales and people took advantage of the good weather and special offers.
“It was great to see so many schemes all coming together and so many people
around Wales taking the chance to play golf,” said Hannah Fitzpatrick, director of golf development for the Golf Union of Wales.
“This was the biggest scheme we have ever run and of course it was perfect to do it in the year of the Ryder Cup.
“Our slogan was to ‘Pick it up for the Ryder Cup’ and plenty of people have done just that. Thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make it work, all the clubs who got behind it and have felt the benefi t.”
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There are plenty of examples of club schemes working in Golf Awareness Week. Gary Pugh, the professional at Tycroes near Ammanford, said, “We put out the posters and we have had quite a few people coming up to try out the course in Tycroes this week, plus I've been giving some free 10 minute lessons.”
There were 30 ladies at a taster day at South Pembs in Pembrokeshire – with 100 per cent signing up for follow on lessons.
Abergele also had some new members joining while Mold held a successful day for juniors with their junior members encouraged to bring along a friend to TriGolf sessions.
In Mid Wales there were also plenty of successes to report, according to Ellen Jones, Senior Active Young People Co- ordinator at Powys county council.“In my club Welshpool we had 18 for starter lessons and they all took up the three month trial membership – 12 ladies and six men. I think every club has seen an improvement in ladies, men’s and junior memberships.”
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Cardiff too had a successful Ladies Night at Heath Park with 35 ladies turning up and looking to continue playing golf as the aim now is for Golf Awareness Week to maintain the momentum throughout Ryder Cup year and beyond.
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