VIRTUAL GOLFSIXES LEAGUE: Swinging Into The Future Of Junior Golf

DETAIL

With dark nights, cold weather, and junior drop-out risk rising in winter, we wanted to extend the GolfSixes League season for young players and keep that team spirit alive. VGSL wasn’t just about keeping the game going – it was about reimagining how golf can be played, bringing clubs and simulator venues together to create a new pathway into the sport.

Two venues took part in the pilot scheme over winter:

• Bunker (Heanor, Derbyshire) – a 5-bay Trackman venue
• Outtabounds (Chilwell, Nottinghamshire) – a cosy single-bay simulator

Each hosted 3 junior teams – one from the venue and two from local clubs. That’s 6 teams across 6 fixtures, with rounds played on virtual versions of real and fictional courses. In total, 58 players registered.

Matches lasted around 1 hour per team, with host venues setting the challenges and inputting scores via Golf Genius. Entry was affordable at £6 per player per round, with no cost to the Golf Foundation – a model suggested by the venues themselves.

KEY AIMS & OBJECTIVES

1. To provide an extended playing season for juniors, to help keep them engaged with golf and reduce the risk of losing them to other traditional winter sports etc – i.e. increase retention of golfers by extending the activity period of the sport.
2. To create partnership links between golf clubs and indoor golf studios which may aid in the recruitment of new juniors that come into the sport through this more digital pathway. Once these links are established the indoor golf studios will be able to signpost juniors interested in continuing their golfing journey to local golf clubs, such as yourselves.
3. Increase the number of players/teams in outdoor GolfSixes League

 

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THE IMPACT

At Outtabounds:

• Friendships formed between players who hadn’t met before
• A brand new player now playing regularly
• Parents from different teams mingled and stayed to cheer
• Birthday party bookings came in off the back of the league!
• Improved relationship with nearby Beeston GC, who are now building their own simulator

“The setup and the team worked brilliantly… all the players watched and cheered each other’s shots!”

At Bunker:

• Amber Valley Golfers (Bunker’s junior team) are now joining the outdoor GSL
• Link with Alfreton GC formed – the club are now entering GolfSixes League this year
• A flexible format: Sunday mornings worked well, but some rounds shifted to afternoons to accommodate busy family calendars

“It’s been really good. The hardest part is juggling timings around parents, but otherwise we’re really happy. If Trackman created a sixes course and player sign-in, it would run even smoother.” – Adam Grace, Co-owner, Bunker

WHAT WE LEARNED

• Single-bay venues need more time per fixture (1.5 hrs)
• Carefully selecting fun, fast-paced courses is key
• Strong potential for hybrid leagues (indoor + outdoor combined)
• Communication around fixtures and league tables can be improved
• Great potential for growing the girls’ game, but more recruitment needed

LOOKING AHEAD

VGSL could be just the beginning.

We’re thrilled with what VGSL has already achieved – not just numbers, but real stories of connection, progress, and joy. Huge thanks to our fantastic host venues, team managers, junior golfers, and families who made this pilot soar.

If you’re a golf club or simulator venue interested in joining the VGSL journey in 2026 – get in touch. Together, we’re making golf accessible, exciting, and a sport for all year round.