During the past few months, we’ve been working hard to try and replicate networking which takes place on the golf course in our virtual events. This event featured a discussion with industry expert Colin Bell on the modernisation of the game. A number of golf professionals and club managers attended, as well as golfers. A key challenge is to help more people adore the game, not just like it; those inside the sport are best placed to assist with this. Colin, formerly of the R & A, gave us an interesting behind-the-scenes view of this prestigious golfing organisation.
The R & A develop golf across the world in a discreet, efficient and professional manner. They distribute grants to assist this development, encouraging new groups to get involved, including women, juniors, and people from other countries. Growing the game is a major priority and modernisation is what the game needs. A key issue is the limiting rules and regulations preventing participation. Golf is expensive to play, from equipment to memberships and much else. It has been male-dominated, and Colin said the R&A has taken steps to modernise its team, with new initiatives being put in place, including new formats, and the introduction of graduated and part-time memberships.
Golf provides so many opportunities, in ways that you may not imagine. From teaching you about etiquette and honesty, to revealing your character when the chips are down – the game is incredible. Add to that the beautiful courses you can play on, the people you meet, the charities that benefit, the friends you can make – it is addictive. Once you get over the initial few months or years of learning, it is a gift that keeps on giving.