GreaterSport does not have a dedicated development officer for Golf, however works closely with the governing bodies to promote opportunities in the sport.
The Acting Regional Manager for the English Golf Union in the North West John Stoszkowski
johns@englishgolfunion.org
The Regional Manager in for the Golf Foundation in the North West is Andy Leigh
andyleighgolf@hotmail.co.uk
What is Golf?
In golf, unlike most sports, you don’t have to be big, strong, fast or part of a team to be successful. Anyone – men, women, young or old, amateur or professional can enjoy golf. There are an estimated 1.7 million regular golfers in Great Britain! Many celebrities enjoy golf in their leisure time and can often be seen playing in pro celebrity tournaments.
The game is steeped in tradition. The rules are uniform the world over and the unique handicapping system allows people of different abilities to play with and against each other. The game is a stimulating challenge combined with getting out in the fresh air in pleasant surroundings. Golf is not only enjoyable, it is an excellent way of exercising, as an average 18 holes usually involves walking between six and seven kilometres!
Where to begin?
Your local PGA Professional Coach is the best person to teach you how to play golf, regardless of your ability. They will teach you the fundamentals of the game, in terms of the golf swing and the rules and etiquette of the sport.
Receiving structured coaching is essential when starting to play golf, as by learning the basics it will enable you to develop as a player. Golf lessons can be arranged by contacting the PGA Professional Coach at most facilities.
How much does it cost?
Although the cost of playing golf may be daunting to some people, it is not always as expensive as perceived.
Equipment – Many golf clubs allow golfers to hire equipment and therefore you do not always have to purchase immediately. Equipment ranges greatly in price and many Proshops have good deals available, they can also offer excellent advice on what equipment to purchase.
Lessons – Golf lessons again vary greatly in price and it is advisable to contact several Professionals to ensure that you receive the best value for money. Most golfing facilities offer beginners’ packages so it is worth visiting websites and looking in local press for any offers that are available. Driving ranges are great places to practice your skills, with a basket of balls usually costing around £3.
Green Fees/Club Membership – Although green fees may sometimes seem quite expensive, it is worth considering the period of time the activity takes. Green fees differ greatly from club to club due to many factors, however with such a range of prices there is a fee to suit everyone.
What equipment do I need?
Playing golf requires a range of equipment, all of which can be bought and a lot of which may be hired. Equipment includes balls, a golf bag, a trolley, tees and markers, golf shoes, a glove, a scorecard and pencil, waterproofs and an umbrella, and of course, a set of golf clubs.
Golf clubs are designed to help you make different kinds of shots. There are woods for tee and long fairway shots. Irons for approach shots of various lengths to the green, and the putter for rolling the ball on the green and into the hole. Each club has a different loft, or angle of the clubhead, which produces shots of different heights and distances.
Where Next?
This site contains a variety of information to help juniors and adults take up golf including details of FREE Golf Coaching venues, equipment, costs, membership vacancies, coaching tips and much, much more.
Click here to read their latest newsletter, with updates on new officers, Golfmark, Junior organiser courses and women and girls development within the sport.
http://www.englishgolfunion.org
The English Golf Union Limited (EGU) has served as the governing body of male amateur golf in England since it was founded in 1924. 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.
http://www.englishwomensgolf.org
The work of the Association is very varied but its overall objective is to further the interest of women's golf in England. This has involved EWGA in developing a whole sport plan for golf in England and working in partnership with the English Golf Union, the Professional Golfers’ Association and the Golf Foundation.
http://www.golf-foundation.org
The Golf Foundation is a registered charity established to develop and promote junior golf throughout the British Isles. The Golf Foundation believes 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. It was formed in 1952 and has now evolved into a dynamic, energetic organisation operating a portfolio of participation initiatives designed to support junior golf development structures.
If you would like to organise any junior golf related activity
click here to list products and services offered by the Golf Foundation.
