Scenic Yorkshire Club Enjoys Benefits of Golf Boom

The picturesque Whitby Golf Club in Yorkshire has been enjoying the benefits of the nationwide golf boom, with the venue disclosing that it has gained 113 new members during the past year.

Reported in the Whitby Gazette, the club, Highly Recommended on Golfshake, has become a community hub.

“There’s a really good feeling and a buzz about the place,” said director of finance Amanda Ing.

Perhaps much of that can be attributed to the new swing room simulator, which was purchased thanks to a £10,000 grant from The R&A.

“We got the maximum amount to convert the pro shop into a swing room.

“It’s a massive coup for little old Whitby to get the swing room – anyone can book and play. It’s about getting the golf club back on the map.”

The club also boasts a thriving junior section of 30 members alongside newly launched adult coaching with a focus on women in golf.

With four of the club's board members being women, there is a progressive outlook at Whitby, something that has been showcased through its welcoming of the wider local community.

“This is a real good news story which we want to get out there and share with the residents of Whitby,” said Amanda.

“Also, it’s to re-establish that although it is on the edge of Whitby, we want to bring the club back to the heart of the town.

“The pandemic could have been the end of the road but we used the time to pause, draw breath and think about where we want to go.”

Whitby is one of many success stories across the country, with The R&A revealing that GB&I Golf participation increased by 2.3 million on-course adults in 2020.

But transforming that surge of interest into a longer-term gain remains a challenge that clubs needs to be ahead of. Whitby Golf Club is showing itself to be one of those venues ready to take full advantage of the golf boom.