Grow Golf
In April 2007, four giants of the golf industry joined forces in an unprecedented move to help grow the game of golf.
Acushnet, Callaway, Ping and Taylor Made/Adidas, under the umbrella of the BGIA, launched a new initiative to stimulate golf participation across all age groups, geographic regions and social backgrounds in the UK.
The ‘Grow Golf’ campaign was kick started with a ‘seed fund’ from the four founding partners in excess of £50,000 and the trustees are looking to organisations such as The Golf Foundation and the England Golf Partnership, as well as other regional or local initiatives from schools, clubs and associations, to submit innovative proposals to be considered for funding.
Fund contributions are based on a percentage of UK turnover for each partner company and it is hoped that more BGIA members will be encouraged to participate so the annual fund becomes increasingly significant and Grow Golf becomes a major contributor to the future growth of the game. Already the founding partners have been joined by Sunderland of Scotland who joined the initiative in 2008.
A Fund Committee has been established – this consists of three representatives from contributing companies, the Chairman and Vice Chairman for the time being of the Association, and two independent persons agreed upon by the BGIA Executive. Industry stalwarts Graham Guy and Warren Sunderland have agreed to be independent ‘trustees’.
How the Funding Works
It is for the Fund Committee to determine who shall benefit from funding – the only proviso being that any projects or initiatives should be consistent with the purpose of growing participation in golf in the UK.
Who can Contribute?
It is open to any BGIA member not already signed up to the agreement to join the fund by committing to pay the levy. However, there will be a minimum annual payment of £1,000.
Types of Projects which could be supported:
- Innovative solutions to increase participation and allow greater access to golf e.g. 1 hour / 6 hole courses
- Recruitment – and retention – of 18 to 30 year olds. The number of people playing the game between the ages of 18 and 30 is low compared to related figures for the under 18’s and over 30’s – especially amongst women. Initiatives are required to recruit and retain this age group.
- Programmes to introduce all age groups to the game – i.e. through schools, youth clubs, starter centres etc.
- Assisting clubs to put in place the necessary initiatives to encourage family participation in golf.
- Support for volunteers who play a key role in the delivery of golf – particularly to youngsters.
The Full "GROW GOLF"Application Procedure can be found on the left hand menu