New Zealand golf numbers continue to grow

Golf New Zealand's love golf futures' programme has continued to grow the love of golf and inspire participation from young people for the last year and a half.

Prior to the programme launching in 2018, membership statistics of young people had been declining five percent every year for the previous eight years.

However, he collaborative effort from the golf sector has reversed this trend, and growth has accelerated since January 2020.

Golf New Zealand has released a futures impact report outlining the positive impact the programme has had on young people’s participation in golf.

The report recognises the impact created by New Zealand's local, regional, and national workforce in working toward a vision of enriching the lives of young people by creating experiences that inspire a lifelong love of golf.

The report includes the futures approach, progress from January 2020 to June 2021, impact stories from futures' hubs, clubs and national initiatives and key learning points.

The futures approach was created with the following outcomes:

* Change the perception and grow the positive profile of golf as a sport for young people and families.

* Create opportunities for young people to participate either recreationally or competitively in a way that meets their level of aspiration.

* Empower young people to play their version of golf.

* Provide a nationwide network of facilities that are welcoming and safe with a club culture that caters to young people and families.

* Develop a skilled and passionate workforce of coaches, administrators and volunteers who understand the wants and needs of young people.

* Lead, invest and align partnerships.

Key learning points from the last year and a half is having people who are invested in the outcomes of young people, the value of participation hubs, having a calendar of playing experiences and consistent event delivery, having a coordinated approach to parent information, as well as being innovative and forward thinking.

Golf New Zealand is working in partnership with districts and clubs to provide quality golf experiences for young people.

If you would like to join the futures community please contact your regional participation manager or Maddi McLean, participation programmes coordinator, at maddi.mclean@golfnz.org for more information.