Posted on Friday, 8 May 2015

While much of the UK may be obsessing over who will occupy Number 10 this month, others may be keen to escape the media's election frenzy and get out on to the nearest golf course for some fresh air, peace – and of course, golf.

But as with the British political landscape, things are changing in the world of golf, too. Or at least, things need to change if the sport is to flourish

Participation Falling

According to Sport England, participation numbers have dropped by 21,600 in the year to October 2014. And in the last eight years, 158,800 fewer people now play golf in the UK.

But how to lure more people into the sport? The industry is certainly doing its bit. May is National Golfing Month – an initiative aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life to try golf.

And this month boasts some high profile tournaments to further whet appetites. The BMW PGA Tournament takes place at Wentworth in Surrey from 19-24 May, while the Irish Open runs at Royal County Down from 28-31 May.

Youth Success

However, some argue that if golf is to truly evolve, the game's fresh young talent must be harnessed properly. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is now an inspirational young golfing figure for these isles – having racked up 10 PGA Tour titles before turning 26. Only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have managed this feat.

Rory McIlroy (dleindec/Bigstock.com)

21-year-old American Jordan Spieth is another successful player who reminds us that it isn't just the old hands who can do well at golf.

Attracting More Female Golfers

While encouraging the next generation to take up the sport is undeniably important, attracting more females is also crucial.

Recently European Solheim Cup captain Carin Koch told BBC Sport: "I think the potential in the UK is to get more women involved. With that you get more kids and families."

And while female golf role models may not be as numerous as their male counterparts, there is much to celebrate. 19-year-old Briton Charley Hull has already topped the European Tour Order of Merit (then aged just 18) and also won Morocco's Lalla Meryem Cup in 2014. Despite her tender age, Hull has already bagged £208,500 in prize money – demonstrating that a decent living can be made by successful female golfers.

As many of our golf travel insurance customers would agree, the need to encourage new players from all walks of life is essential if golf is to grow. More participants mean more money for courses, which in turn means better managed – and indeed more – courses for us to choose from.

Summer Time Golf Trip?

Of course, this article may well be preaching to the converted. You may be planning a long summer of golf – either here in the UK or abroad. If you're heading overseas, don't forget to check out our superb Golf Cover – which can be added to a travel policy quickly and easily and provides protection against damage, loss or theft of your equipment and against lost time on course.

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