The Golf Foundation and partners across Great Britain and Ireland are collaborating on a pioneering R&A-backed Community Golf Instructor Programme. The new training programme will create a dedicated new workforce to help develop the game in communities across the British Isles.
Designed in collaboration with all Home Nation Associations (Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, Golf Ireland & England Golf), the Golf Foundation, along with support from the PGA, the programme will deliver introductory group golf sessions, with the training developed and piloted in 2023 before being rolled out across Great Britain & Ireland in 2024.
The new programme has the full backing, financial support and ongoing guidance from The R&A.
Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said of the initiative: “We are delighted to work with the Home Nation Associations, the Golf Foundation and the PGA on the introduction of this new programme which will build on the excellent work PGA members perform across Great Britain and Ireland.
“We need to attract more people of all ages and backgrounds from across different areas of society into golf in an accessible way.
“This initiative will develop a larger, more diverse workforce in Great Britain and Ireland that is able to work in local communities and as part of national programmes. In doing so, we will encourage more people into golf at all levels and help ensure the sport continues to thrive.”
The training course will be a mix of online and face-to-face learning, focusing on developing Community Golf Instructors who take a person-centred approach and can create a relaxed, sociable environment for golf activity.
Once trained, CGIs can be paid for their work across defined programmes and initiatives, including delivery in schools, which will be a key focus.
The governing bodies across GB&I are confident that perceptions of the game can be enhanced, as people recognise it can be a sport for everyone. Golf Foundation CEO Brendon Pyle said: “We are delighted with the collaborative approach that has seen this really exciting programme come to life. We have seen some fantastic impact in schools and community projects in recent years, and reaching new audiences is central to our mission of introducing children to golf from all backgrounds. This project will allow a huge increase in the potential audiences we can reach, and we intend to use this to help grow our large city projects in London, Liverpool and Birmingham this year.”
Golf currently benefits from a PGA Coaching network, which continues to develop golfers from grass roots to the elite level across GB&I. The Community Golf Instructors will complement the existing work of the PGA as well as building on the previously implemented Club Activator Course, by increasing access to beginner and introductory golf activity. All with the aim helping more people recognise the benefits of playing golf and becoming a golfer.
