The Golf Foundation introduces children from all backgrounds to golf, because golf can change lives. We are a charity committed to helping young people ‘Start and Stay’ in golf by making their introduction to the game fun, inspiring, inclusive and enriching.
We believe that the game should be accessible to all young people to enjoy, irrespective of their gender, background or ability. We know that golf provides life changing opportunities and it is the ideal sport to help develop valuable personal skills in young people such as confidence, respect, resilience and emotional control – qualities that will benefit youngsters for the rest of their lives.
Golf still has some negative perceptions which we are working hard to break down. These include golf being seen as an elitist “old man’s sport”, only for those with lots of money. There are other perceptions, that golf clubs are exclusive; open only to their members and you need ‘all the gear’ to get started.
All photography by Matt Greaves.
The reality is very different. We have a number of HSBC Golf Roots Centres around Lincolnshire which are only too keen to welcome new youngsters into their venues.
Our HSBC Golf Roots Centres are ‘junior friendly’ places – they provide a warm and welcoming environment for children, lending equipment to help youngsters start playing. The cost of golf programmes falls very much in line with other sports. You are looking at an average of £5-6 for weekly group coaching and membership often equates to an average of £2 a week; some clubs even offer free junior membership. Our Centres provide taster sessions, introductory offers, coaching packages for all abilities, and playing opportunities. Coaching is delivered by PGA Professionals and all our clubs have the expected essential safeguarding operating standards in place; the safety and welfare of our youngsters is paramount.
