Golf has gone through significant changes over the last several years from being perceived as an exclusive sport, played only by the wealthy, and dominated by males to a more varied, inclusive, and sustainable activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. This post will explore how Golf has continued to change through time, to embrace the modern day.
It has become clear that attitudes towards golf are showing signs of evolving. Previously seen as an activity only accessible to those with substantial financial and social capital, clubs now are putting an increase emphasis on the creation of a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for all people regardless of their background or experience in the sport.
An increasing focus on drawing in a larger audience to golf clubs and centre’s seeks to guarantee the sport remains dynamic forward thinking. This change was bought about by the increasing number of accessible, reasonably priced facilities and the availability of a wide range of flexible membership options that cater for many players. Join Us! | Rustington Golf Centre (rgcgolf.com)
Golf is fast becoming a sport for everyone by knocking down outdated and conventional barriers to ensure the long-term success, relevance, and growth of the sport.
The value of diversity for golf’s future has started to become more apparent. Diversity is important for the future of game to ensure there is a sense of importance and belonging amongst female players. Promoting events aimed specifically at ladies can help to build new connections and show the incredible social benefits that golf has to offer. As well as the inclusion of a hot drink to keep spirits high. Making these events fun and informal helps to dismantle stereotypes and present golf in a positive light.
Many successful initiatives are already in place promoting women’s participation in the sport such as Womens Golf Day, and LPGA’s Girl Golf. These campaigns aim to remove financial barriers for junior golf, creating an environment tailored for girls to be empowered and comfortable when learning the game.
Social media has become a perfect platform to engage a younger enthusiastic audience to the Game of golf. With millions across the globe constantly plugged in to a multitude of devices, scanning media platforms for their next hit of dopamine, sites such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok have become crucial for marketing and community involvement, promoting courses, funny videos and events taking place. These platforms also facilitate interaction between clubs and followers such as through Q&A,s creating a deeper community loyalty and connection.
Social media is also increasingly used by celebrities and influencers, who look to engage with fans and build personal brands. Icons such as DJ Khaled and Gareth Bale, each known for their talents outside of Golf, have engaged in golf social media, helping to promote the sport to a completely new demographic, highlighting that golf can be played by everyone, including their favourite celebrity. This light-hearted approach to social media creates a new culture reaching millions of viewers worldwide, further promoting the game.
Social media has also been used in professional games as well through the introduction of the LIV tour, broadcasted on YouTube. The tour includes some of the biggest profiles in men’s professional golf and is an alternative to the traditional PGA tour focused on attracting a younger audience to the sport.
Golf has benefited from technological improvements which have increased the games’ accessibility and enjoyment for players of all levels. Technology has revolutionised golf in many aspects such as high-tech clubs and balls made to optimise performance for different styles of players, as well as gadgets to track distances, scores and even players swings.
Driving ranges now equipped with toptracer technology have also seen a rapid growth in popularity. Practice and enjoyment has never been easier, with the ability to take on friends in competitions, explore famous courses and try out various modes, while enjoying a drink or snack from the comfort of the stress-free driving range bays. This is all thanks to the gamification of practice that toptracer ranges offer. The instant feedback that the toptracer screens provide, have not only increased the overall quality of play but have made the game more approachable for new players. Players who are newer to the game or short of time can experience a full 9 holes using the toptracer screens without the need to commit hours spent out on the course, providing an alternative way to enjoy the game.
Golf, historically been linked to slow-paced games which have often irritated sections of players and even decreased the popularity of the game in some cases. The concept of ready golf has been embraced as a solution to this by many courses. Rather than following the strict rules of the traditional order of play that has been present in golf since the beginning. Ready golf encourages players to take their shots as soon as they are ready. Round times have been significantly reduced when this strategy is implemented successfully improving the games overall accessibility and enjoyment, especially for newer players who want a short burst of enjoyment, or players with busy schedules. The drive for quicker play has been essential to updating the game and ensuring its relevance for the future.
Author: Karl Treagus