At their recent annual conference in Nice, the European Institute of Golf Course Architects backed a number of initiatives to improve the take-up of the sport.
With several high profile speakers present, it was an ideal opportunity for the golf industry to look collectively at ways to raise the popularity of golf in both new and established markets. Representatives from the French Golf Federation, the European Tour, the Confederation of Professional Golf, the European Golf Course Owners Association and the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations all contributed to the discussions, supported by the views from EIGCA Industry Partners such as TORO, Rainbird and John Deere. Members also profiled a number of projects that are helping to bring new golfers into the game.
After the conference Rainer Preissmann, EIGCA President, commented; “It is vital, especially in these difficult financial times, that the whole industry comes together to develop programmes that will encourage new golfers to take up the game. There are large numbers of people, both within new and established golf markets, who have had no exposure to golf, and we need to give them the opportunity to learn how to play and participate in this great sport. The EIGCA Conference gave us the opportunity to discuss many interesting topics and to review various ideas for “Growing the Game” with other golf bodies and industry representatives. We look forward to playing our part in helping golf’s future development.”