Dear Industry Colleague

This has been an extraordinary year. The global pandemic which has tragically ripped so many loved ones away from us in the UK and across the world. Not for over 100 years have we had such a pandemic. A global war with an invisible foe. 

In the golf industry, we have largely been fortunate to be amongst the first few sports to be able to reopen and trade productively throughout this period. Golf, which has a natural social distance built in, is a perfect sport for the times. Almost all facilities have recorded record numbers of people playing golf since we were allowed to reopen. Many people have benefitted, despite the fact that training has been substantially more awkward.

But, not all is rosy even for those golf centres with full teesheets. The food and drink side of most golf operations is critical to the business. It is this that has been most heavily compromised. Many facilities are changing their food and beverage operations completely to accommodate not just the current phase, but also the likely requirement from golfers, once near-normal trade resumes within clubhouses. It is all very well trading your socks off in the summer months, but come October, November, December and beyond, golf may be a far less popular pastime.

It is very heartening that the UK Golf Federation has seen a remarkable rise in the numbers of members. In the last few years the UK Golf Federation has more than tripled their members and now stands at well over 700 facilities. Credit for this rests mainly with the Poole family, chief executive Doug Poole and his son Greg have been responsible for a highly successful membership drive. There are options on membership. Basic membership is free of charge, with premium membership giving additional benefits priced at just £180 plus VAT per annum. You can get more details on the website and please sign up if you have not done so already. All golf facilities are welcome including courses, golf ranges, adventure golf facilities, indoor golf centres and pitch and putts. Sign up today. www.ukgolffederation.com

Best wishes Colin Jenkins