New style of networking boosts local Golf Clubs

Young professionals are shunning the ‘forced’ nature of traditional networking groups for a more relaxed approach on the golf course. New networking group “FORE” Business, which was only launched in spring this year, is quickly gathering support for this more ‘natural’ approach to doing business. We caught up with John Hiscock, Managing Secretary at Basingstoke Golf Club to find out what it’s all about.

What is the aim of “FORE” Business?

It’s a useful blend of networking, golf membership and business entertainment opportunities, which harnesses the old-fashioned notion of the ‘old boys golf network’ and has rejuvenated and updated it to fit with modern life and modern business practices.

Ok, so what are the benefits to you and your Club?

Well the early success of “FORE” Business has significantly raised the profile of Basingstoke Golf Club. We’re very proud to be the founding Club – the place where it all began! In addition, we’ve seen membership numbers increase as a result of the group, food and beverage sales have gone up and the members of these groups are using our conferencing facilities for both business and private events. Plus, because hardly any of the “FORE” Business members were Club members before, we’re benefiting from this increased exposure as more families are being introduced to the Club and to golf in general.

There have been mutterings over the last few years that golf is in decline, do you think these sorts of initiatives will help rekindle demand for the sport?

Although it’s true that globally golf has been hit by the financial crisis, the UK is still very much Europe’s golfing capital. We have the most youth players (well over 100,000) and an increasing percentage of female players too. The UK also has the most golf clubs in Europe which shows there is still demand.

We will always back initiatives to encourage more people to take up golf. It’s a fabulous sport with a bright future. We support “FORE” Business as they are doing their bit to break down the boundaries and make golf more accessible. It’s good to see business being done in the fresh, healthy, invigorating environment of the golf course. It has to beat a stuffy boardroom any day!

“FORE” Business has seen impressive early success – would you recommend the model to other Golf Clubs?

Definitely – there are no disadvantages for the Club. The members play to a reasonable standard, they don’t clog up the course. Those that need it take advantage of the coaching available through our Pros to improve their game. It’s brought us another revenue stream and increased the sales of our existing services. There’s no downside.

I think the group’s success speaks for itself - Since “FORE” Business launched at Basingstoke Golf Club in March, Sand Martins in Wokingham and Donnington Grove in Newbury have joined and, from talking to the team, I know there are more groups in the pipeline which will be announced soon. I see no reason why they can’t reach their target of 100 groups and 2000 members across the UK by 2017. It’s a win win situation for us.

Where should people go for more information?

Anyone interested in learning more about what’s on offer at Basingstoke Golf Club can find details on our website www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk and there’s more information on the fantastic networking group “FORE” Business at www.fore-business.com. It’s well worth a go!

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Media contacts

Hana Ballard - Hana@thebridgemarketing.co.uk | 07810 448319

Notes to Editors:

“FORE” Business is a new and informal way for professionals to network in the relaxing and natural surroundings of a golf course. The aim of the groups is to create a relaxed and natural networking environment that builds awareness and trust amongst local professionals and facilitates the exchange of quality business leads and referrals. It benefits all parties from Golf Clubs to SMEs, sole-traders and national businesses. It works on a monthly membership so its success relies on delivering value to its members on a regular basis.  Find out more at http://www.fore-business.com/

Golf stats overleaf…

Golf – a growing and inclusive market

With the 2011 KPMG study showing that The UK & Ireland alone have the highest share of demand in Europe with 30% of players and the highest share of supply with 44% of courses[i]. There are good business reasons why this would take off in the UK and could have a significant draw in the US and Asia too. Indeed, although there are no official figures, an estimated 80 million golfers worldwide play on close to 40,000 courses across the planet[ii]. Plus, with Female and Junior golfers increasing in the UK, which already boasts the highest percentage (30%) of all golfers in Europe, it looks as though golf is set to remain popular. Indeed, the Active People Survey shows increased participation in the 16-24 age group, which builds on huge increases in the number of schools now offering golf to their students.[iii].

[i] https://www.golfbusinesscommunity.com/article/golf_participation_in_europe_2011  

[ii] http://thefuturescompany.com/free-thinking/the-future-of-golf/

[iii] http://www.ukgcoa.com/golf/overview/news/england-golf-to-boost-adult-participation-rates.htm

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