England Golf has been chosen as one of the finalists for the esteemed Sport Organisation of the Year award at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards. The event is set to occur on April 25 at Evolution London in Battersea, where England Golf will compete with esteemed organizations such as The FA, Manchester City, Formula E, United Rugby Championship, and SAILGP.
This recognition follows England Golf’s remarkable achievements in 2023, characterized by the introduction of innovative initiatives aimed at attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds to the sport. With a network of over 1,750 affiliated golf clubs and 720,000 members, England Golf has remained committed to four key pillars – leading through strong governance and integrity, energizing and supporting the golf community, delivering a more inclusive and accessible sport, and inspiring current and future generations.
One of the notable developments in 2023 was the launch of the Respect in Golf movement, which aims to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all, emphasizing the importance of making individuals feel welcome in the sport regardless of their level or background. Additionally, the organization provided support to affiliated clubs and counties through the re-launch of a Governance Guide, offering guidance on sustainable practices, safeguarding policies, Equality and Diversity, participation, and membership growth.
Embracing the digital sphere, England Golf introduced the MyEG app, which has witnessed over 400,000 downloads, facilitating communication with members and recording a significant increase of 23 per cent in scores submitted on the app in 2023 compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the iGolf initiative, catering to independent golfers, has attracted over 60,000 sign-ups, with 7,700 individuals transitioning to become golf club members.
In an effort to engage with golfers at all levels, England Golf also launched ‘iPlay’ – a free new platform on the MyEG app, allowing individuals to enter scores from adventure golf facilities and short game courses around England. These initiatives underscore England Golf’s dedication to making the sport accessible to all, thereby expanding its reach and impact within the community.
Jeremy Tomlinson, CEO of England Golf, expressed his gratitude at being considered for the esteemed award, attributing the organization’s success to the collective effort of its dedicated workforce and volunteers. He emphasized the significant strides taken to dispel long-standing perceptions of the sport and create a more inclusive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Tomlinson encouraged everyone, regardless of experience, to partake in golf in any capacity, assuring that the sport is open to all without fear of discrimination.
England Golf’s nomination for the Sport Organisation of the Year accolade is a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the sport, setting a commendable precedent for sports organizations across the country.