What high impact actions can you now take?

We hope that the research findings set out in this report have resonated with you and that they will inspire you to act.

Whilst this report makes a range of recommendations, we recognise that golf clubs have limited capacity and won’t be able to implement them all.

1Engage members in developing a club vision and strategy

If your club doesn’t have a vision and strategy, or your current strategy needs a refresh, engage your members in creating a new one. Start the process by consulting with all members. Make sure it’s a ‘big conversation’ with lots of different opportunities to get involved. Reach out to all members across your club, including new members and juniors. Encourage discussion and try to establish a reasoned consensus. Build a vision that is inspirational and will motivate all members to get involved.

We have, therefore, suggested two high impact actions, which should encourage and support participation in your golf club:

While this research was conducted prior to the covid-19 pandemic, we believe the two action points noted below are especially important in these unusual times. Participation in golf has increased during covid-19 and many golf clubs have seen an influx of new members. Golf has been presented with an unexpected opportunity to generate and sustain growth. We strongly believe that pursuing the two actions below will maximise a golf club’s ability to build and sustain new member participation and involvement. Achieve that and your club’s long-term future will be brighter for it.

2Create a new member retention working group

Establish a small working group of staff and volunteers to create a strategy and orientation programme for supporting new members. Recruit to this group a diverse set of volunteers with different skills and perspectives. Seek out members from sections of the club that don’t ordinarily volunteer. Include members that joined the club recently, because they will have a fresh perspective on the new member experience. When the group improves new member retention, celebrate their success.

If you need more support we recommend the following: