University Students ignored by more than two thirds of UK’s Golf Clubs

Despite various incentives to make golf more affordable to the wider population, GolfSupport.com research reveals that university students are left out of exclusive deals and offers by more than two thirds of golf clubs. In total, 242 golf clubs were reviewed in the top 10 university cities in the UK: London, Glasgow, Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cambridge, Coventry, Newcastle and Nottingham.

Oxford and Cambridge were found to be the least student-friendly as only 16.6% of golf clubs offer discounts/incentives for university students. ‘Oxbridge’ is followed by Scotland’s top university cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh with 19.4% and 22.5% student-friendly golf clubs, respectively.

With 43.3% of golf clubs offering student packages and discounts, Manchester brings a ray of hope for student golf in the UK. Other cities with a notable proportion of student-friendly golf courses include Birmingham (42.9%) and Coventry (41.6%).

Gary Swift from GolfSupport commented: “We were really surprised by the results of the research. Considering that the golf industry is striving very hard to find ways to make the game more appealing to the young generations, one would expect that golf clubs are attempting to do the same through special student deals and offers, especially those in or near the top university cities.”

The good news is that, while just 27% of the reviewed golf courses can be defined as student-friendly, those that didn’t forget about students actually offer highly attractive packages. Aidan Heslop from Ravensworth Golf Club said: “Despite the reduced fee, student membership gives full access to the course, a CONGU handicap and the fee includes County and English Golf Union fees as well as a discounted member’s card for use in the bar. Students are able to play in all club competitions and participation is welcomed.”