The Blueprint All Golf Clubs Should Follow To Attract Juniors

Prior to the pandemic in 2020, many clubs were struggling and the age profile of members was continuing to rise. Post Covid, and flexible working and a greater appreciation of the benefits of participation have resulted in a significant boom. Many clubs now have substantial joining fees and lengthy waiting lists. But this is not everywhere, and nor will it last forever. Clubs should not be complacent, and one healthy way to acknowledge this is to foster a thriving junior section. Not only will this generate the lifeblood and committee members of the future, but it will create a healthy and more cosmopolitan atmosphere.

One club that is doing very well in this regard is Fulwell in west London, just a mile from the Thames with one of the best courses in Middlesex. Its junior organiser is Russ Groombridge, a keen and very capable golfer who is also an assessor on the Golf Monthly Top 100 panel. He took over the role at the start of 2022 and inherited a healthy number of 60 to 70 youngsters. However, the section was very passive and probably fewer than 20 had a handicap. Other than two or three single-figure older kids who were very keen and played in men’s competitions, most played casually and only sporadically.

Fulwell has two important plus-points on its side; an attractive, testing and well-bunkered course that is improving all the time, and a large catchment area as it is an oasis in the midst of suburbia. These on their own, however, are not enough. Russ, supported by the club’s directors and management, realised that there was much to do.