Key stakeholders across the sport recognise the value of improving the organisation and structures of clubs in order to maximise their potential for profitability and growth.
England Golf is committed to inspiring good governance within the game and has joined forces with The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA), The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), The R&A, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf to provide this invaluable resource for all clubs to consider.
By co-ordinating a unified approach to good governance and setting this out in an easy-to-read format in the second edition of the guide, clubs the length and breadth of the country will now benefit from a strong template which can either be adopted or adapted to meet needs of individual organisations.
The document provides tools, activities, discussion points and best practice ideas for clubs to take on board.
It will also provide clear signposting for clubs in order that they may face the future with confidence. Clubs can find pointers on how best to tackle the challenges of an evolving membership structure, constantly-changing legal requirements and all-important safeguarding procedures.
A well-run club is a thriving club and the ‘9-holes of Excellent Governance’ feature of the new guide will help clubs to improve sustainability both financially and administratively.
In an ever-changing marketplace, clubs can learn to manage resources, effectively recruit for staff and committee positions and meet the needs of members and golf consumers by following the good governance blueprint.
Clubs – no matter how large or small their membership, how modern or traditional their facilities – can learn how to set their own standards of excellence to drive improvement and, at the same time, develop the culture of the organisation.
The varied case studies from England, Scotland and Wales also provide real-time reference points to demonstrate the practical benefits of adopting good practice at all levels of club management.
Richard Flint, England Golf’s Executive Director, said: “Encouraging and ensuring excellent governance has always been a key focus of England Golf.
“This is part of a wider strategy to inspire more people to get into golf and enjoy the many sporting and health benefits associated with our sport.
“In addition to the resources within this updated governance guide, our delivery team can assist clubs by providing tailored support to meet club needs and help grow their business.”
The R&A’s backing for the governance guide underlines their ongoing commitment to the modernisation of golf.
“We all have a role to play in growing golf and if we are to achieve that goal then we have to modernise and make the sport more appealing, accessible and inclusive,” commented Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development and Amateur Championships.
“Good governance in the running of clubs is a key element of ensuring that golf is attractive both to existing members and potential new members.
“This guide is designed to promote best practice in governance and act as a reference resource for clubs to help them continue to improve and develop their management processes.”
As part of a strategic plan to grow the game as well as raise levels of accountability and transparency, England Golf – as a long-term signatory to the Code of Sports Governance – is committed to provide support and back-up for all affiliated clubs looking to develop their business.
Downloadable PDF formats of the guide are freely available along with templates and other resources to help clubs make changes and improve their practices. These can be found on the governance section of the website.
Clubs can also gain access to video footage from one of England Golf and the GCMA’s informative workshops as well as a series of FAQs on the issue of good governance.
Additionally, on the ground assistance – as a supplement to existing legal and accountancy support – can be provided by England Golf’s delivery team.