European Initiative Aims to Grow the Game


Launched in December 2010 at the European Golf Business Conference in London, the Grow the Game website has received overwhelming support from the golf industry.

The project (www.growthegameofgolf.org) is a joint initiative of European golf bodies and the European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA). It's based on best practices and feedback gathered from professionals, course owners and operators from around the world.

"The Grow the Game website is an encyclopedia of initiatives to grow the game of golf," said Geoff Russell, editor of www.golfbusinessnews.com. "It is an invaluable resource and one of the finest tool kits for this purpose that has ever been produced. The compendium of ideas comes from a wide range of initiators: from national organizations and golf's governing bodies all over the world through to individual entrepreneurs who are simply trying to build their own businesses by creating more customers.

"Whatever your problem, you can bet that someone, somewhere will have come up with a solution that you can either copy or adapt. What a wonderful gift to the business of golf."

With concerns throughout the industry about the stagnancy of golf and the increase in the age of average golfers, the need to introduce new players to the game and retain existing players is more important than ever before.

James Langmead, PGA golf professional of www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk, said: "This is a great idea and something the game desperately needs. Over the past 10 years golf has been in decline and it needs some fresh impetus. I wholeheartedly support this website and its vision."

The director of the EGCOA Lodewijk Klootwijk, added: "This is a project which is still evolving, and which needs ongoing support and inspiration from the industry. The results so far have been extremely encouraging. We very much welcome new ideas and initiatives, and invite people to send us their input to help us bring the Grow the Game project to the next level."

For more information, visit www.growthegameofgolf.org.