Well, England Golf is having quite the year! Fresh off their runner-up finish for Sports Organisation of the Year at the 2024 FEVO Sports Industry Awards, they’re now in the running for three more big prizes at the 2024 Sports Business Awards.
And it’s not just any ceremony—this one’s happening at Old Billingsgate on November 29th. Safe to say, all eyes will be on them.
Here’s the scoop: England Golf has been shortlisted for three impressive awards: Best Sports Governing Body of the Year, Sports Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, and the Sports Innovation Award. Not too shabby, right?
These nominations highlight just how much they’re shaking things up in the golf world, and it’s not just about teeing off anymore. It’s about inclusion, innovation, and building a game that everyone can enjoy.
With more than 1,750 affiliated clubs and a whopping 722,000 members, England Golf is leading the charge to make the sport better, not just for die-hard golfers, but for everyone.
Their strategy revolves around four big pillars: leading with integrity, giving the golf community a much-needed boost, making the game accessible for all, and inspiring future generations to pick up a club. These aren’t just fancy words—they’re really making things happen.
Take the Respect in Golf movement, for example. This initiative is all about making sure everyone feels welcome, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who’s never swung a club in your life, England Golf wants you to know there’s a place for you. It’s all about breaking down barriers and making golf a game for everyone.
And they’re not stopping there. Over the past year, they’ve partnered with more than 70 facilities—including driving ranges, simulator venues, and even adventure golf spots.
That’s not just the traditional course experience—it’s about getting creative with how and where people play.
And with the launch of the free iPlay function on their MyEG app, more than 5,500 people have signed up to give golf a go.
It’s clear they’re serious about making the game accessible, even for those who’ve never held a club.
But perhaps the biggest game-changer is iGolf, their program for independent golfers who want an official Handicap Index.
Over 80,000 people have signed up so far, and get this—13,000 of them have now transitioned to full club memberships.
That’s the beauty of iGolf; it offers a flexible, no-pressure way to get into the game and then see where it takes you.
And let’s not forget the Community Golf Instructor program. England Golf is training a whole new workforce to bring the game to schools, communities, and beginners at local clubs.
These instructors are fully qualified to lead introductory activities, whether they’re doing it as a job or volunteering.
It’s about getting more people involved at a grassroots level, making golf more approachable and fun for newbies.
On top of all that, England Golf is tackling sustainability too. They’re working closely with clubs to help them future-proof their operations—because the future of golf isn’t just about who’s playing today, but about making sure there’s a game to play tomorrow. They’re pushing clubs to think about the environment and take the steps needed to ensure the sport can thrive for years to come.
Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf’s CEO, couldn’t be prouder. He summed it up perfectly: “For England Golf to be shortlisted for three more prestigious awards is testament to everyone working at the organisation and the incredible volunteers who support good-for-golf initiatives.”
Tomlinson went on to highlight the importance of making the game accessible to all: “With over 7 million people playing golf in many formats across the country, we want everyone to feel welcome, at whatever level or environment they wish to play. We believe there is a seamless pathway for people to not just get into golf, but to progress socially and competitively as far as they want in the sport.”
He’s not just talking the talk either. England Golf is working hard to change the perception of the sport, making sure it’s seen as something anyone can take part in.
Whether you’re into mini-golf, prefer hitting the driving range, or want to tackle a full 18-hole course, England Golf wants you to know—you’re a golfer.
Recent surveys back up what they’re doing. A 2024 survey found that 86% of golfers play for the social side of things, while 83% do it for the physical and mental health benefits.
It’s not just about competition; it’s about feeling good, having fun, and being part of something bigger.
As England Golf gears up for the 2024 Sports Business Awards, one thing’s clear—they’re not just a governing body; they’re a force for good in the world of sport.
By making golf more inclusive, accessible, and innovative, they’re helping ensure the game continues to grow for generations to come.
