The detailed questionnaire is open to all interested participants in golf until 31 October 2018 and is available in ten languages. Administered independently by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc., it can be accessed at both www.randa.org/distanceinsights and www.usga.org/distanceinsights.

Each person who takes the survey will be asked a series of universal questions about distance in golf (defined by how far shots travel), such as:

• What do you think makes golf most interesting to watch?
• Do you think recreational golfers are hitting shots further than they did five years ago?
• Do you think elite / professional golfers are hitting shots further than they did five years ago?
• What do you think should be most important to success in the game of golf?

Participants who express interest while taking the survey may be invited to take part in follow-up telephone interviews or online group conversations to gather deeper perspectives on the topic. While individual responses will be confidential, anonymised global survey results will be published in the final Distance Insights project report, to be delivered in 2019.

The R&A and the USGA will also accept relevant original or commissioned data and research directly related to distance via email until 20 December 2018. Individuals or organisations may also request to present their data in person. Our Distance Insights email address as well as terms and conditions regarding the submission of research and data can be found here.

The R&A and the USGA embarked on the Distance Insights project in May to initiate the most comprehensive global study of distance in golf to date. Through primary and third-party research, a detailed research and data review and the collection of views from throughout the golf industry, the aim is to achieve better understanding of the contributors to and impacts of distance on golf.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We want to hear the views of those involved in golf throughout the world about distance and what it means for the sport. This is an important stage of the Distance Insights project and we would encourage people with an interest in golf to share their perspectives with us. There are many different points of view and considerations on distance and we want to make sure we have as full a picture as possible.”

“We’re inviting perspectives and opinions from the global golf community because we recognise the topic of distance is one that potentially impacts us all in some capacity,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “This is the best opportunity for people to share their thoughts and data with us. We know a final Distance Insights report that reflects a breadth of perspective will be critical to deepening an understanding around the complex nature, and far-reaching implications, of this subject matter.”

Information on the Distance Insights project, including frequently asked questions, historical data and general terms and conditions for submitting data, can be found at www.randa.org/distanceinsights or www.usga.org/distanceinsights.

Find out More @ www.randa.org/distanceinsights

Jan Henriksen, Head PGA professional, Silkeborg Golf Club.

“Here in Silkeborg GC we had the same trend as the national average, and the club decided to do something about it. Our Golf Club has been good at focusing on this particular group of members. As we all can imagine, there is a big gap between being a new player that has just finished a beginner’s program to feeling comfortable joining the men’s or lady’s section.

“In collaboration with the golf club, we as PGA Professionals, have chosen to create a community; we call it Club 37. This is a community for players between hcp. 37-54. We offer an open training session every week where the primary focus is on team spirit. The only thing the players have to do is to commit, and therefore there is a modest fee that they have to pay. The focus on team spirit has made us, the Pros, an important point of reference for this member group. Our training sessions are all about creating a social network between the players, and we ensure that by making exciting and varied drills and exercises that they can have fun and compete with players at their level. The social aspect of the training and the joy of having a fellowship together is key for this group.

“The most important thing for new members that they get a social network that reaches out beyond our weekly session. At the same time, they feel that they get the attention of the club, with is very important for new players (source: Players first survey). It has been a huge success here in Silkeborg and a few other clubs around Denmark, in fact, such a great success that the players normally joke that they don’t want to get their handicap under 37. From a PGA Professionals perspective, when players get under handicap 37, we have happier players who are used to taking lessons and know us very well. That gives us the opportunity to sell more lessons and courses to them so that they can continue their development. Over the years, Club37 has experienced better retention. And with Club 37, the golf club and we as coaches have a mutual interest that links the collaboration across the departments.”

Club 37:

• Is a community for new players between handicap 37-54, and max two years membership in the club.
• Open session once a week, with particular focus on exercises and team spirit
• Low cost

(Looking at the other hcp groups, the rate of resignations is approximately the same. However, since the majority of club members have a handicap more than 37, this group will be the most important to focus on. Source: Players First survey and GolfBox A/S.)

The survey, which is available for any PGA Professional to complete at  http://eur.pe/GolfPrideSurvey regardless of whether they offer regripping services or not, will gather opinions and a variety of data to form a picture of how PGA Professionals utilise regripping services as part of their business offerings.

Running until the 20th September, the survey will provide valuable input from PGA Professionals that is critical to continually improving services, resources and future offerings for such a vital part of Golf Pride’s business.

It will also increase their understanding of the attitudes towards regripping from the side of those selling the products and working with clients from a coaching and playing perspective – and with all the data from the survey being made available to entrants, will provide useful insights and resources for PGA Professionals’ own businesses.

Those who complete the survey will also be entered into a draw to win an exclusive Golf Pride Regripping Package that includes a grip wall for your facility, a set of ALIGN technology grips, and a Golf Pride apron, giving you all the relevant tools to promote your services .

“This survey is a great way for us to gather data both from inside and outside of our client base to help better understand the attitudes towards regripping,” said Eaton Golf Pride Regional Manager (EMEA), Conor Dillon.

“What will be hugely interesting are the potential differences we see across different countries and if we can better understand this then we will be able to offer more relevant and useful services to PGA Professionals around the world.”

The survey is also an opportunity to highlight the services that Golf Pride offer to their customers such as the ‘Golf Pride Core’ platform designed to help customers and increase grip sales, and the ‘Golf Pride Certified Center’ programme that certifies businesses and allows access to additional tools and resources.

“We have enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship with Golf Pride, and this survey is a great way for PGA Professionals to consider how they are utilising regripping with their clients and how it can be an important part of their businesses,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Chief Executive, Ian Randell.

“The feedback gained from the survey will be invaluable to Golf Pride in ensuring the resources they provide to PGA Professionals are as effective as possible.”

Complete the Survey Now at http://eur.pe/GolfPrideSurvey