Dec video hits the spot

A PGA video with TV star Declan Donnelly extolling the virtues of golf has captured the imagination and reached 30,000 Facebook users in its first few days.

The short film was shot by the Association’s Media, Marketing and Communications Department during the BMW PGA Championship and uploaded to social media on June 24 in support of England Golf’s Get into Golf campaign.

In the clip Donnelly, of Ant & Dec fame, reveals his total passion for the sport and encourages others to give the sport a go, describing getting into golf as “the best decision you’ll ever make.”

With more than 150 shares already to date, it’s hoped the positive messages will lead to more people getting into golf and taking advantage of the many beginner and taster sessions run by PGA pros and golf clubs.

The video is part of The PGA’s over-arching digital strategy which has been refreshed over the last 18 months, starting with the introduction of social media last April which now communicates with almost 20,000 followers across several accounts on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

There have also been a raft of initiatives to grow and promote the game including its recent #ThisGirl Golfs initiative to support Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign.

This saw a unique link up with The Birmingham Repertory Theatre targeting female golfers.

More activity is planned in July with more than 20 PGA pros set to deliver thousands of free coaching sessions during the Open Championship at the R&A Swing Zone.