New members and strengthening old relationships

Philip Morley, independent executive chair of the BGIA, gives GOLF RETAILING readers the latest on what the organisation has been doing to grow and support the game of golf.

I am delighted to announce that not only have Lynx Golf become the latest BGIA member, but that Stephanie Zinser (pictured below) has been co-opted onto the BGIA Executive Board. Lynx is a British, family owned golf equipment company, dedicated to offering exceptional clubs for use by golfers at all skill levels and having Stephanie’s considered input will help the BGIA better reflect the views of the entire industry and unite together to grow the game of golf.

It’s also perfect timing that Stephanie joins us now because, as I write this, we’re approximately half way through the BGIA’s National Golf Month (NGM) whose focus this year has been to encourage more women to play the game. It is vital for the economic health of the sport that more women start playing golf,  so having Stephanie’s perspective and her strong desire to become more actively involved in developing the game will be invaluable to the Board.

Doug Poole (Project Director of NGM) had an aim for NGM to get 30,000 women to try golf during May. His strategy included adding 50,000 taster sessions to www.nationalgolfmonth.com, utilising Bauer’s huge marketing reach backed by the help of a variety of celebrities on social media including Georgie Bingham, Denise van Outen, Dan Walker, Charley Hull, Niall Horan, Paul McGinley and Brian McFadden. The #GirlsGetGolfing has already reached nearly 3 million people – smashing last year’s performance of 1.5 million. The event also featured on Talksport and Sky Golf through Mel Reid. A full report on this year’s NGM will be available shortly, meanwhile I know Doug thanks you all for your support.

I was lucky to be able to attend The Golf Foundation Presidents’ Awards at Wentworth on the 24th of May where we celebrated the inspirational work of volunteers and professionals who have given their time and enthusiasm to provide young people from all backgrounds and abilities with a start in the game. A major theme of the day was how the teaching of life skills through golf can help young people to thrive in the wider aspects of their lives, and this ‘Skills for Life’ message resounded in every award category. It was inspiring to hear the stories of some really wonderful work for the good of the game.

Ciara Morgan (BGIA Association Manager) and I used our time at Wentworth during the BMW PGA Championship to set up a variety of meetings to help strengthen our relationships with the other golfing associations. Positive discussions were held with the R&A, PGA and England Golf. The BGIA look forward to working with these organisations to continue and progress the great work they do for our game.