Golf clubs aim to boost participation in sport

In his role as a founding member and co-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Golf, North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins chaired the get-together at Ladybank Golf Club.

The event, which included representation from internationally renowned Kingsbarns Golf Links and historic courses such as Scotscraig, Crail, Ladybank and Leven Thistle to smaller clubs like Falkland and Cupar, saw participants share ideas about how golf can be developed so more people, especially women and children, are encouraged to take part.

Mark Alexander, who along with wife Yvonne, runs golf and marketing agency, The Word Association, which promotes clubs in Fife and further afield, spoke at the get together, as did the St Andrews Links Trust, Fife Golf Partnership and Braemar Golf.

Lundin Ladies and Lundin Golf Club provided a great example of a community working together to nurture talent.

Stephen Gethins MP said: “I was very pleased so many clubs and organisations were so interested in getting involved and sharing their experiences.

“I was delighted to have the chance to talk about what the APPG on Golf does and to discuss the importance of golf to the local economy as well as the health benefits of taking part.

“We are very lucky in North East Fife to have so many great golf courses and clubs but we can’t be complacent and need to continue to work hard and share ideas so the whole area can benefit.”

Mark Alexander added: “There is clearly strong enthusiasm for working collaboratively for the mutual benefit of everyone and it was important that our local MP could see this in an open forum.

“The success of the event rested on the commitment shown by many in the room to seek out best practice and engage with local and international markets.

“No one was more passionate about this than Stephen who showed a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges represented by the rich diversity of golf businesses in the region.”