Golfmark Is Going Strong

Sep 4 2008 The Journal

The GolfMark scheme is going from strength to strength - with more than a quarter of all clubs in England now working towards accreditation. Since the award was re-launched in March 2006 to integrate with Sport England's Clubmark, the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women's Golf Association (EWGA) have been delighted with the scheme's progression. And so it seems are golf clubs.

Some 116 have so far achieved the prestigious award with a further 373 others working towards the accreditation that recognises them as being junior and beginner friendly.

Clubs working towards GolfMark can access an interactive online system detailing case studies, the rewards of achieving accreditation and will receive guidance and assistance from the team of Regional Development Officers.

In addition from this year, GolfMark clubs will obtain a further benefit of being able to access additional grant aid for junior and/or beginners coaching.

A telephone survey recently conducted with clubs who have already been awarded GolfMark highlighted the benefits and how it had impacted on their golf club:

100% of golf clubs felt that the GolfMark process had been beneficial;

50% have experienced increased awareness and recognition within their local community;

25% have reported an increase in membership;

71% have accessed funding/grants following the award;

60% have created links with local schools/colleges/facilities/local community.

A 'Rewards & Recognition' package is also available for clubs, which includes additional coaching grants, resources, workshop places and prize draws, further details can be found on the website.

For further information on the GolfMark (incorporating Clubmark) Award visit: www.golfmark.org