Taking The "Big" Approach To Growing the Game

Norwood Park Golf Centre in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, has previously been recognised for its work to drive up participation levels and atttract more people to the game. Having been crowned club of the year in 2015 by Sport Nottingham, its special EZ Golf pa three course has proven to be an ideal starting point for would-be-golfers.

What has helped to draw newcomers to the sport has been the giant-sized targets that have been introduced for the shots, with holes on the greens measuring a whopping 15 inches wide - regular golf holes are just 4.5 across - and it has proven to be extremely popular with those developing their skills and more experienced players looking for something different.

Explaining the radical changes

Certain to bewilder the purists, TMaG staff player Rob Macey has explained the considered thinking behind the radical changes to the traditional golf course format.

“The Par 3 Course was re-designed to incorporate shorter EZ tees and the 15” holes positioned on the greens away from the normal holes,” he says.

“It gives the players more choice and is ideal for beginners and juniors wanting to make the transition from the driving range on to the course and without making it too difficult.

“It really has been very popular, offering both variety and fun for all the family. We are delighted to be amongst the first in the UK to introduce the new larger holes.”

As golf looks to uncover the next generation of players and provide an alternative to the traditional 18-hole round which fits the ever developing demands of modern life, with shorter courses, bigger holes and two-flag greens being among the many ideas under discussion.

Widely supported

Having been welcomed by the Nottinghamshire Golf Partnership, which works to grow the game, County Development Officer Matthew Bloor says: "Norwood Park Golf Centre has shown to be one of the more pro-active clubs in Nottinghamshire. They put development at the heart of everything they do, which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere at the club.

“Norwood Park put the love of the game at the centre of all they do and in doing so have become a shining light for the region. The EZ Easy Golf initiative is proving very popular and is helping grow golf in Nottinghamshire by providing something different to appeal to would-be players of all ages and abilities.”

The initiative is being run in association with TaylorMade, with Lee Farrar, Head of Field Sales for company, stating: “TaylorMade are delighted to be associated with EZ Golf at Norwood Park. The 15” cup encompassed with shorter holes is a great idea that brings a further enjoyment to the game for all ages and ability.”

Norwood Park Golf centre had earlier been awarded GolfMark Award (High Achiever) by England Golf in 2010, highlighting a strong commitment to junior golf development and adult beginners. They have also formed school links with local councils and host numerous community golf projects including focusing on both juniors and adult programmes for those with special needs. 

What do you think of this scheme? What other ways can the game drive up participation levels and attract more players to its courses? Let us know in the comments section below.

Related Articles

Growing Junior Golf - Interview with PGA Pro Allan Knox of King James VI: http://goo.gl/fzV1Qt

Two-time Open champion Greg Norman has some revolutionary ideas to grow the game: http://goo.gl/STcv4k