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2 contents introduction 1 introduction page 1 general page 2 page 4 junior specific page 20 county breakdown page 28 progress & comparisons page 30 conclusion page 33 As part of the England Golf Partnership s research strategy, the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Ladies Golf Association (ELGA) conduct the biennial Golf Club Membership Questionnaire. This survey helps to build a picture of junior and adult within golf clubs in England and aims to assist the EGU and ELGA in assessing structures and monitoring trends over time. This is the third Golf Club Membership Questionnaire that has been distributed and to date research has assisted the EGU and ELGA in developing new initiatives and enhancing current schemes. Work at grass roots level such as the Free Golf Coaching campaign has introduced thousands of non-golfers to the game and to golf facilities, challenging traditional methods of introduction and recruitment. Current EGU/ELGA work aims to develop the pathway from beginner to member to ensure that the future of golf and golf clubs remains healthy. The coloured arrow shows any important comparisons to the 2004 Golf Club Membership Questionnaire * All statistics have been calculated out of the total number of golf clubs that responded unless stated otherwise. Work at junior level continues to strive with the development of coaching activities and funding to assist structured programmes. Through the GolfMark Award scheme, golf clubs have been able to develop their junior sections and move away from the trends and restrictions, which may have been predominant in the past. It is not only research at local and national level which is crucial, county specific information also provides Unions and Associations with information on how they compare regionally and nationally. This data is especially vital to those counties involved in County Golf Partnerships, as it helps to provide a footing from which to progress and develop. The Results Booklet 2006 aims to provide a clear picture of golf club within England and the information included will hopefully be of benefit to those involved within golf at local, county and national level. The EGU and ELGA would like to thank affiliated golf clubs for supporting this vital research initiative.

3 2 3 general general There are currently 1,921 golf clubs affiliated to the EGU and 1,791 affiliated to ELGA. There are 743,556 male affiliated golf club members and 126,648 female members (2005 figures). Facilities - leisure From those affiliated golf clubs 42% (805) have returned a completed Questionnaire. Type of Golf Club That Returned Questionnaire of golf clubs employ a Secretary/Manager, of which 74% are full time and 26% are part time. Private Members 69% 94% of golf clubs have 1 or Proprietary more PGA Professional(s) 2 available to coach, of which 52% have 1 or more full time employed Professional(s), Artisan have 1 or more part time 1% Professional(s) and 54% have 1 or more Professional(s) that are independent traders (self employed). Municipal 98% of golf clubs with a Professional have 1 or more male Professional(s) and have 1 or more female Professional(s) % 6% Snooker/Pool Swimming Pool Health & Beauty 6% Gym Tennis/Badminton Squash Courts Facilities - practice % 78% 74% 7 28% 8% Putting Green Practice Ground Chipping/pitching Area Practice Bunker(s) Driving Range Short Game Acadamy Practice Holes Indoor Facilities Par 3 Course 71% of driving ranges are covered, 42% are floodlit and the average number of bays is 12. of golf clubs are looking to develop their practice/leisure facilities in the near future. By having a Professional available to coach at the golf club, it demonstrates the importance of learning and developing the fundamental skills of the game. Male Professionals still dominate, with only of golf clubs having 1 or more female Professional(s). Could an increase in female coaches have an impact on the numbers of girls and women taking up the game? The % of golf clubs with practice facilities has remained relatively static, however the number of golf clubs with practice opportunities is still high. By having other leisure facilities available, a golf club is opening themselves up to a wider range of people and potential visitors/members.

4 4 5 Over the last few years of the EGU and ELGA has remained static. (Final 2006 figures will be available in early 2007). Membership Patterns Membership Breakdown *Juniors are defined as under 18 years of age. 3% Unchanged 38% Increased 27% 6% 1% Juniors* 9% 9% Decreased 3 Adults 91% 91% 9% From those golf clubs that have experienced an increase in, the average increase was by 45 members / 11%. From those that have experienced a decrease, the average decrease was by 49 members /. Changes in Membership % Increased 21% Decreased 33% Increased 21% Decreased 29% Increased Adult Males 3 Decreased 19% Increased Adult Females 39% Decreased A higher number of golf clubs have experienced a decrease in golf club, is this just a short-term trend? How can golf club fit in with the average adult lifestyle? It is positive that the % of junior of total has increased by 1% over the last 2 years it is important that junior development work continues to not only retain, but to increase this % further. The highest decrease in is again in the adult female category. With continued loss of members, should more focus now be placed on women as a priority group?

5 6 7 Membership Types Age Breakdowns of Golf Club Members Average number of Members per Club Social 64% Social 86 63% 5 Day 75 5 Day 5 Country 18 Country From those golf clubs which offer a student category, the average minimum / maximum age is 16 yrs / 22yrs. From those golf clubs which offer an intermediate category, the average minimum / maximum age is 19 yrs / 26 yrs. 54% Senior 103 Senior Student Intermediate From those golf clubs which offer a senior category, the average minimum age is 61 yrs. 54% 16 Student 4 19 Intermediate 2 11 Overseas 23% Overseas 12 Corporate Corporate 14% of golf club members are in the 21 years and under age groups and 68% of golf club members are in the 45 years + age groups. Average Number of Members per Club years years years years years 71 years + The % of golf clubs offering different types of has decreased in most categories apart from 5 Day and Senior. Are golf clubs reducing the discounted opportunities they have available and opting for more full time packages? The reduction in the % of golf clubs offering student and intermediate could have an impact on the retention of junior members into adult categories. This is an age when juniors are most likely to be lost to the game, quite often due to financial restraints. As shown on the 'Age Breakdown' graph the average number of members in the 0-21 age groups is less than the other individual categories. The % of golf clubs offering senior has increased and the average minimum age for a senior member has decreased are golf clubs trying to retain their adult members by offering a more attractive senior package?

6 8 9 Membership Allocation Bookings and Activity In the last 2 years, 3 7% or more categories of which: of golf clubs have raised allocation (available spaces) in one Over the last 12 months, the average number of rounds played by visitors at golf clubs was 7,937, with an average of 74 society bookings per club. Active Membership Raised Allocation % 54% Adult Males 4 31% Adult Females Average % of Active Membership per Club (defined as participating at least once a month) % 6 Adult Males 7 72% Adult Females From those golf clubs that have raised allocation, it has been raised by an average of junior boys 22 members, junior girls 13 members, adult males 45 members and adult females 25 members. The optimum total at golf clubs ranged from 48 to 2,400 members, with the average optimum being 676 members. The overall % of golf clubs that have raised allocation has decreased since The % of clubs raising allocation has increased in both the junior categories, however those clubs raising allocation for adults have decreased. Based on current affiliation figures, the average golf club is 453 members, yet the average optimum could be 676. What is preventing golf clubs from reaching their optimum? Adult females are the most active group within a club s, with junior girls being the least active. However, with adult female decreasing at 39% of golf clubs, this may just be leaving the more active female players.

7 10 11 Groups in Membership % of golf clubs with ethnic groups (other than White British) represented in their Membership Vacancies From those returned questionnaires, there are currently 37,119 vacancies, which is an average of 56 vacancies per golf club. Based on the overall number of affiliated golf clubs in England, this could potentially equate to a total of 93,576 vacancies White Asian British White European Black British Asian Indian Pakistani Black Black Caribbean Black African 51% 47% 4 39% 2 22% There is an average of 21 members per golf club in ethnic groups other than White British. The average % of golf club members in ethnic groups (other than White British) is 4.6%. 7 of golf clubs that responded stated that they have adopted the EGU/ELGA equity policy. with Members in Economic Groups % 56% 5 44% 34% 12% 9% 8% 7% Managerial & Professional Occupations Small Employee & Own Account Workers Intermediate Occupations Lower Supervisory & Technical Occupations Semi-routine & Routine Occupations Are golf clubs providing adequate opportunities for all priority groups? Is golf still perceived as a sport that is played by people in Managerial and Professional occupations? 1% No Vacancies 13% Vacancies 87% 74% Membership Vacancies (4,745) 2% 56% Actively Seeking 79% Membership Vacancies (5,446) 8 of golf clubs have junior vacancies. 8 of golf clubs have vacancies for female members (adults & juniors) and 81% have vacancies for male members (adults & juniors). 77% of golf clubs are actively seeking more members. 63% Actively Seeking 72% Membership Vacancies Adult Males (15,743) 64% Actively Seeking 8 Membership Vacancies Adult Females (11.185) 7 Actively Seeking (Vacancy totals) The % of golf clubs with vacancies has decreased, however the average number of vacancies per club has increased. The % of golf clubs with junior vacancies has increased, perhaps coinciding with the % of golf clubs that have increased their junior allocation? Golf clubs actively seeking more members has increased, perhaps as a result of the decrease in of the adult categories. 2%

8 12 13 Promoting Membership How Are Golf Clubs Promoting Their Facilities and Membership Opportunities? Membership Offers/Incentives 44% Coaching Taster Session(s) Open Days(s) Reduction in Fees Programmes/Schemes Of those golf clubs with vacancies, 54% have asked to advertise their details on the online EGU/ELGA vacancies database. 22% 22% 11% 3% % Internet Newspapers/ Magazines Local Flyers 57% 29% 26% Secondary Schools Primary Schools Local Facilities Local Authorities Local Community Groups 2 of golf clubs stated that they receive guidance from their County Union/Association on how to attract more golfers to their golf club and 2% receive financial help. 21% 19% 14% 11% What do you believe would encourage more Percentage of Clubs people into golf club? Having more time 5 No joining fee 4 Family facilities 3 Different types of programmes/schemes 34% Special offers/discounts 33% Being at a higher level of ability 7% Are golf clubs using a variety of schemes to promote their opportunities, what works for one club may not necessarily work for another? Do golf clubs need to look at the reasons why golfers are not taking up, by consulting with current members on what attracted them and prospective members for their thoughts on the opportunities available. Advertising facilities and opportunities is vital when trying to embrace new members and this should be done using a variety of different promotional ideas to ensure that all areas of the community are reached. Should Counties be more proactive in assisting golf clubs with recruitment? Funding is now available from the EGU/ELGA to support the formation of County Golf Partnerships, which support golf development at this level.

9 14 15 Waiting Lists Of those golf clubs with a waiting list, 57% also have vacancies in at least one category. No Waiting List 7 Type of on the waiting lists % 11% Waiting List 2 Acceptance into Membership Full Adult Members *Percentage of Clubs Written application Proposed by current member followed by an interview 14% Written application followed by an interview 13% Proposed by current member & written application 7% 3% Proposed by current member 2% Written application & complete probationary period 1% Proposed/assessed by PGA Professional Complete probationary period (coaching etiquette & rules) A combination of the above 4 * 732 / 805 golf clubs completed this section. From those golf clubs that specified the number of people on their waiting lists, the average figures are: Adult Males Membership Category Adult Females Average number of people on waiting list per club 16 5 Adult Males 48 Adult Females 16 The % of golf clubs with waiting lists has remained the same since 2004, are some golf clubs still being too restrictive to potential members? The % of clubs with adult female on their waiting list has remained the same, whereas the other categories have all experienced an increase. Junior Members *Percentage of Clubs Written application 24% Written application followed by an interview 18% Proposed by adult member/family & written application 7% Proposed by adult member/family followed by an interview 7% Proposed by adult member/family 4% 2% Proposed/assessed by PGA Professional 2% Written application & complete probationary period 1% Entry through links with local schools 1% Complete probationary period (coaching etiquette & rules) 1% A combination of the above 33% * 734 / 805 golf clubs completed this section. With the average number of members on the waiting lists ranging from 5 (junior girls) to 48 (adult males) are golf clubs simply making an unattractive option?

10 16 17 How golf clubs describe their dress codes: Very Strict 3% Fairly Strict 29% Very Relaxed Fairly Relaxed 33% Neither Relaxed nor Strict 3 Golf Club Fees MEMBERSHIP FEES Age Group MALE - Avg fees per annum ( ) FEMALE - Avg fees per annum ( ) Juniors at 8 years Juniors at 10 years Juniors at 12 years Juniors at 14 years Juniors at 16 years Juniors at 18 years Intermediates (if applicable) Adults Seniors (if applicable) % of golf clubs require prospective members to have proof of handicap. Type of handicap accepted % 33% 32% 14% 2% Current CONGU (Golf Club) Handicap EGU/ELGA Recommended Junior Handicap EGU/ELGA Associate Membership Handicap Overseas Handicap Society Handicap Acceptance into does appear to be improving with a decrease in the % of golf clubs requiring prospective members to be proposed by a current member/adult or family member. The acceptance procedure should not appear daunting to junior players and golf should be seen as a fun, enjoyable sport to ensure that this encourages their continued participation. 32% of golf clubs believe their dress code is either very strict or fairly strict is this a potential barrier to new members? The % of golf clubs requiring prospective members to have proof of handicap has decreased since 2004, has this made the joining procedure more accessible? 7% ENTRANCE FEES 68% of golf clubs charge 8% adults an entrance fee and 16% of golf clubs charge juniors an entrance fee. 1% Opposite are the average entrance fees from those golf clubs that charge (figures in brackets include those golf clubs that have not specified a fee): TRANSITION FEES (figures in brackets include those golf clubs that have not specified a fee): Membership Charging an Avg Transition Transition Entry Fee For Transition Fee Junior Boy to Intermediate 6% ( 16.64) Junior Girl to Intermediate ( 14.05) Junior Boy to Adult 8% ( 25.37) Junior Girl to Adult 8% ( 23.02) Intermediate Male to Adult 12% ( 49.81) Intermediate Female to Adult 11% ( 43.16) 52% of golf clubs that responded, stagger transition fees depending upon how long a junior/intermediate has been in. Membership Category Avg Entrance Fee ( 16.15) ( 16.43) Adult Males ( ) Adult Females ( ) Membership fees have remained similar to previous years, with a marginal increase across all categories. The % of golf clubs charging adult and junior entrance fees has decreased, however this is still a barrier to prospective members. Although only a small % of golf clubs charge transition fees into adult categories, this is still an age when many players are lost to the game and clubs should therefore aim to have as few barriers as possible.

11 18 19 Volunteers Within Golf Clubs Volunteers have a crucial role to play within the game of golf and it is often the continued hard work and dedication of these individuals which ensures the smooth running and success of golf clubs. 732 golf clubs detailed how many volunteers (men & women) served on their golf club committees, with the average being 17 volunteers per club. It is estimated that volunteers commit approximately 4 hours per week to the role and serve an average of 3 years. What prevents members from volunteering? No Time 6 58% 27% 19% 17% 14% 7% 4% 1% No Interest Lack of Appreciation Time of Meetings Lack of Confidence Lack of Experience Are Not Aware No Opportunity Average age of volunteers within golf clubs With time being a major issue that often prevents individuals from volunteering, do golf clubs needs to assess whether some roles should be paid positions? 58% of golf clubs believe that members have No interest in volunteering is there a way in which golf clubs can promote and support the role of the volunteer and the work they undertake? years 29% years 2% years 58% 61+ years years 1% Although the majority of volunteers are in the higher age categories, can golf clubs encourage younger members to take on roles and to strengthen their association with the golf club? Does the length of time a volunteer serves have an impact on continuity, for example a junior organiser supporting the junior section?