We’re always proud to shout about the great work that clubs we work with are doing in growing their junior sections, and getting more young people into the game. Bakewell Golf Club are a great example of that work in action, and we caught up with them to celebrate their story.
“We’ve got a challenging 9-hole, 18-tee course in the heart of the Peak District,” they explain. “We have been successful in growing our junior membership base from approximately 10 in 2022 to over 50 by 2025. This has been achieved by offering ‘Girls Golf Rocks’ and ‘Get into Golf Rookies’ sessions in conjunction with England Golf, as well as piloting a new ‘Unleash Your Drive’ initiative in conjunction with the Golf Foundation.
“This is our third year of submitting a team into the ‘Golf Sixes League’ and this year we were able to enter a team for the Derbyshire County Junior League. We have re-introduced our own WHS Handicap Junior Competitions and, in conjunction with our local secondary school, hosted our first School Competition which will become an annual event.
“In addition to our junior members, we also have a substantial cohort of very young golfers who attend regular coaching sessions on a Saturday.”
What they did differently:
“It was decided that more golfing opportunities needed to be provided both for our existing junior members and also to attract potential new members,” the club explain. “We entered the ‘GolfSixes league’ with our existing beginner golfers and also actively engaged with local schools to promote new opportunities for young golfers to try out golf, providing ‘Girls Golf Rocks’ and ‘Get into Golf Rookies’ sessions.
“We introduced a club night dedicated to our junior members, along with a loyalty card scheme and home baked cakes each week, supported by a group of DBS volunteers. We also started to provide the juniors with the opportunity to take part in non-handicap/fun competitions throughout the year. We provided free team shirts for our junior players and rewarded those who achieved a WHS handicap.
“Through the provision of wider golfing opportunities, continual progression and enjoyment of the game, parental support, word of mouth and a much more visible social media presence, our junior section has grown from strength to strength.
Here’s what the parents and young people had to say:
“We have two boys who joined Bakewell juniors as beginners. It’s such a welcoming club and the focus is on making it fun. Michelle is so enthusiastic and always offers cake (!) and Ricky is a brilliant coach. Getting involved in the Sixes has been a great experience too. Three years later and they are both obsessed. Thank you so much for creating such a lovely atmosphere. It’s been great to watch the juniors section grow so quickly and to see so many young people enjoying the course.” Cath and Jonny Davey (parents)
“I am a parent of a junior member of Bakewell Golf Club and have been amazed by their commitment to the juniors. In addition to regular group lessons, they provide lots of encouragement to juniors of all ages to get involved in golf. The Club’s participation in the Golf Sixes initiative is a wonderful way of allowing the juniors to play at other courses and gain confidence on the golf course. What I really valued here was that there was no pressure placed on the kids and it was all about making sure that they enjoyed themselves. However, what really stood out for me was Bakewell’s Junior Club Night, where the club closes the course for 2 hours on a Monday afternoon after school to allow juniors the space to go out and play a few holes together in a scramble format. It showed a real commitment from Bakewell Golf Club to their juniors and has resulted in both my son (and me) becoming members of the club.” Feargal Cochrane (Parent)
“I never thought I would say this but I now love golf more than football. It is so much fun.” Eddie Davey (Junior)
“I love learning golf because it’s fun and I get to play with my friends. I’ve really improved my putting and it makes me proud to see how much better I get each week. Golf has taught me to keep practising and never give up — and I always feel happy when we’re out playing together.” Margo Carr (Junior)
“My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed attending the course and can’t wait for her next coaching sessions. I’d also like to say that Michelle made the process of signing up incredibly easy and greeted us so warmly at each session. Ricky is so engaging with the kids and creates each session to be fun and full of encouragement and praise.” Tina Anderson (Parent)
"“I never thought I would say this but I now love golf more than football. It is so much fun”"
