What's it all about?
Golf
is primarily an outdoor sport, although there are variations of the
game that can be played indoors through adapted equipment. Although
golf is seen as predominantly an individual sport, there are competitions
and games that encompass a ‘team’ philosophy including
Foursomes, Greensomes and Texas Scramble Golf.
Whether you play as an individual, with a group of friends or within a club, the aim of golf is generic. Each golf club or course will have 9 or 18 holes whereby you have to hit a golf ball, with a variety of clubs around a course in the least number of shots. Golf can be seen as complex, however the game is relatively simple and fun to participate in.
Golf is the third most popular sport in England, behind swimming and football, and its global appeal is second to none. On both sides of the Atlantic, and around the world, golf is a game that can be played from school through all of your life, and the difference in abilities are catered for by a handicapping system that allows competition between all players (whether you are a beginner or a regular elite player).
Structure of the sport
The England Golf Partnership is the overriding organisation that provides guidance to the National Governing Bodies of golf. These are easily spilt into the following organisations:
- The English Golf union
- English Ladies Golf Association
- Professional Golfers Association
- Golf Foundation
These organisations at County level help to develop, administer, provide and maintain golf in their area. They are as follows:
- Kent County Golf
- Kent County Ladies Golf Association
- Kent Professional Golfers Association
All three have joined forces to push 'golf development' in the county. This is under the umbrella of Kent County Golf Development Partnership.
Taking part
Schools
Tri-Golf (Primary) and Golf Xtreme (Secondary) have been developed
to enable schoolteachers, local authorities, sports centres, driving
ranges and clubs the opportunity to engage children through the medium
of golf.
Driving Ranges/Facilities
There are many non-affiliated facilities that provide people with
a great introduction to the game of golf, such as Gravesend and Manston
Golf Centres. They usually run both adult and junior programmes that
allows you to participate, and have a go at the game, in a relaxed
and enjoyable environment.
Golf Clubs
There are 92 affiliated clubs in Kent that provide people with many
opportunities to get into the game. The majority of clubs focus their
efforts on the playing, membership, coaching and competitive side,
however there are a number that cater for the social aspect of sport
as well. More and more clubs are now catering for their communities
and would welcome new members, whether you are young or old, female
or male.
Get Involved
Please follow this link to find your local club
Follow the English Golf Union on 
or 
Main Contact
Gary Bason - Kent Golf Development Officer - gary@positiveimpactgolf.co.uk - 07791 308 596
