School Games Golf – Impact Story
“The SGO network in Leeds has worked in partnership with the Golf Foundation and local golf clubs to provide opportunities for children to take part in golf festivals that are accessible to all children. The support from the Golf Foundation has allowed the SGO’s to open doors to local clubs for us to gain access to excellent facilities and coaching, All our festivals are aimed to ‘Inspire & Engage’ children and young people and ultimately signpost those less active children into fun and engaging golf activities and increase participation beyond the school environment!”
Matt Herschell-Smith, Well Schools Partnership Strategic Lead (West & NW Leeds)
Integrating golf into School Games and utilising local golf clubs offers children and young people a unique, enriching experience. This approach connects schools with community golf facilities, creating a sense of belonging and awareness of future opportunities in the sport. The Leeds Well Schools Partnership initiative exemplifies the success of this model. By hosting School Games Golf Skills Challenges at clubs such as Cookridge Hall, Garforth, The Manor, and Sand Moor, the project showcased the local golf clubs and what they had on offer for young people.
The Experience of Playing at a Golf Club
Children participating in the School Games Golf Skills Challenge or Golf Sixes Mini League gain substantial benefits from engaging with the golf club environment. Playing on actual courses or practice facilities provides:
Promoting Follow-On Opportunities
Hosting events at local golf clubs introduces children to potential pathways for continued engagement in the sport. The transition from school-based activities to club programmes becomes more of a vision. During the Leeds initiative, junior members served as leaders, creating a relatable connection for younger participants and demonstrating what sustained involvement in golf could look like.
Embedding Golf Clubs in the Local Community
These events position golf clubs as community-centric venues, breaking down barriers and misconceptions about the exclusivity of the sport. Golf clubs become recognised as welcoming spaces for families and young people. The Leeds initiative highlights how community engagement flourishes when clubs actively participate in educational and recreational programmes.
The Leeds Well Schools Partnership: A Success Story
The Leeds initiative demonstrated how aligning School Games with major international golf events can spark interest and participation. Key elements of the programme included:
Expanding the Programme
Building on the success of Ryder and Solheim Cup-aligned festivals, plans are in place to replicate the initiative annually during spring and summer. Hosting events earlier in the year provides greater flexibility and more opportunities for follow-on participation throughout the golf season.
The Leeds case study underscores the transformative potential of hosting School Games golf events at local clubs. These events offer children and young people unparalleled access to the sport, strengthen community connections, and establish pathways for ongoing engagement. The benefit of embedding golf clubs within local communities and leveraging global events, sets a strong precedent for expanding golf’s reach.
How to Host Events at a Local Golf Facility
Follow these steps to organise successful School Games golf events: