2 minute read
Professional Development: North Shore Golf Club
from FYI June 2022
The golfing industry and Covid’s positive impact
Covid. Normally, mentioning the phenomenon that thrust itself into our lives in 2020 provokes feelings of dread, frustration and anger. However, for the golfing industry, Covid created a positive impact, for the most part, across membership, rounds played, and inclusion.
DURING LEVEL 3, when most other sports establishments were still unable to open, golf was allowed to partly reopen its doors. North Shore Golf Club (NSGC) was able to let their members back onto the course to get their fix, and discovered a lot of new members joining during this time. Throughout the golfing industry worldwide, this increase in new membership was happening. “Here in New Zealand alone, we were seeing an increase in membership of 6.5 per cent and rounds being played up by 24 per cent during those beginning months of Covid,” says NSGC’s corporate sales and events manager Georgie Roberts.
For years, golf has been perceived as an older generation’s game. However, as Covid struck and we were all limited in activities that kept our mental health in check (gyms closing, separated from family, no overseas travel, and so on), a large percentage of people of all ages and walks of life, turned to try their hand at golf. “And why not?!” exclaims Georgie. “Golf allows us to hit some of our key requirements after a long week – exercise, social interaction, and the ability to be outside. Plus, with working
...in New Zealand alone we were seeing an increase in membership of 6.5% and rounds being played up by 24%...
from home and being stuck inside for a large portion of the last few years, golf became the escape people needed.
“We were finding that many of our members were not only getting their fix but were also using their love of the game to keep in contact and stay connected with others as they were allowed to play with one other household during Level 3. A lot of these playing relationships have continued post lockdown, on and off the course.”
Another impact was some of the “new normal” effects positively impacting the game. With people having more flexible working times, the ability to work from home and no commuting, it has become much easier for members to come out in the middle of the day for nine holes or clock off early to get a round and socialise after work.
“At North Shore Golf Club, we’re all about keeping these relationships and club spirit alive,” Georgie confirms. “One of the ways we’re looking to keep this increase in membership is with our Learn and Play women’s programme. This group meets once a week over six weeks and runs through every aspect of the game, from their grip and swing to golf etiquette on the course. Of course, there’s a well-deserved drink at the end of the session! We see these programmes as one way to help build a community for like-minded individuals starting off their journey with the game.
“These types of initiatives, and others being developed, help create an inclusive and enjoyable sport and will continue to be a part of our strategy as a golf club.”
georgie@nsgc.co.nz Instagram @northshore_golfclub Facebook @NSGCAlbany
