BGIA unites industry for ‘Growing Golf’ Conference
As part of its popular two day annual dinner and golf day event at Woburn on Monday 23 and 24th April, the British Golf Industry Association, for the first time, hosted a ‘Growing Golf’ Conference, which provided a unique opportunity to bring together key bodies in UK and European Golf to discuss growth of the sport.
A large audience of BGIA members and their colleagues/guests were invited to listen to insightful presentations from Rob Maxfield (PGA), Ian Randell (PGAE), John Petrie (EGU), Roger Moreland (EGP), Colin Mayes (UKGCOA), and Mike Round (Golf Foundation), on how their organisation is proactively working to combat the decline in the game and the various initiatives which are bringing new players in, and old players back to, the game.
A lively Q&A session and debate then ensued, with particular reference to the England Golf Partnerships’ new ‘Get into Golf’ campaign which aimed to accelerate the growth of golf in England. After much discussion, the industry concluded that improved communication and an emphasis on working together is key to an effective and combined approach.
BGIA Chairman Doug Poole, who facilitated the event, commented:
“The Association has been keen to bring together the wider industry to discuss this vital topic for some time now, and we were pleased with the willingness of the key bodies to attend and present on their initiatives and campaigns. Clearly communication and a better understanding of what initiatives are being rolled out could be improved and new collaborations formed for everyone’s benefit. We the industry, are very eager to continue these important discussions at a future event, in the hope of finding new ways of working together, as after all, its in everyone’s best interests to grow our game.”
The Conference was held after the BGIA’s Annual General Meeting, where earlier that afternoon, members heard an update from the Chairman, who highlighted the strength of the ever-growing membership base, along with providing an overview of the Association’s current activities, events, and benefits and services provision – all undertaken on behalf of members.
The AGM then saw the Chairman Doug Poole (Golfsmith) and Vice Chairman Nigel Freemantle (Brand Fusion) re-elected for another term, alongside 6 of the current BGIA Executive Committee: Graham Hayward (Glenmuir), Robin Newbery (Acushnet), Doug Wright (Amer), Paul Jepson (Yonex), Martin Wild (Callaway) and David Wells (Motocaddy), with the final two vacant places being given to the nominated Conor Dillon (Golfpride) and Andrew Law (TMAG).
Conference Presentations can be viewed here