Scottish Golf survey findings set to impact events and 'elite' golfers

A survey commissioned by Scottish Golf has seen the governing body given less than six out of 10 for its current support and service to member clubs.

Scottish Golf commissioned the insights survey following last year's annual general meeting, with the findings being revealed ahead of the 2021 agm next weekend. Picture: Scottish Golf

The “insights” survey seeking feedback about Scottish Golf could also lead to money spent on “elite” golfers being reduced and channeled more towards helping clubs recruiting and retaining members.

Independent research experts Sports Marketing Surveys Inc conducted the survey, which was commissioned following Scottish Golf’s agm last year.

The findings have now been revealed in a newsletter to member clubs, which help raise the bulk of the governing body’s revenue through a £14.50 affiliation fee per golfer.

Of the 4,388 golfers who completed the survey, 55 per cent were “somewhat aware” of what the affiliation fee contributes towards but 21 per cent “didn’t know”.

Golf clubs, meanwhile, rated the current support and service provided by Scottish Golf as just 5.8 out of 10

The clubs involved also said the area they would like most assistance was membership recruitment and retention, closely followed by junior development.

On the events front, the survey showed that only 20 per cent of the golfers regularly enter any of the national championships organised by Scottish Golf.

Based on this evidence, the governing body will now undertake a review of its portfolio to “try and identify opportunities that currently lie out with our current remit”.

In reply to being asked if they would “like to see Scottish Golf involved in developing elite level golfers”, clubs have also provided food for thought.

Although 39 per cent of golfers and 31 per cent of golf clubs feel that it is “very important”, a far greater percentage of the members feel it is either “quite important, not very important or not at all important”.

Linked to that, 73 per cent of golf clubs feel that Scottish Golf should only have “little, quite a bit or no involvement” in developing elite level golfers.

When golf clubs were also asked how Scottish Golf should invest their money, they felt that less money should be spent on elite golf than it currently does.

“We will be incorporating their findings into our future plans to ensure they meet the needs of our affiliated golf clubs,” said the governing body.

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