Driving Participation: Lessons from Award-Winning MacGregor

24/02/2025

As PGA Professionals, we know that growing participation requires breaking barriers, engaging the community and fostering a love for the sport. Addington Court Golf Club’s Alex MacGregor, winner of the 2024 England Golf Participation and Development Coach of the Year Award, is a shining example of how to make a real impact. Here, we unpack MacGregor’s methods and insights to help bring more players to the game of golf.

1. Take Golf into the Community

One of MacGregor’s key strategies has been reaching beyond the traditional golf environment. “I’ve tried to go out into the community even more, run school festivals, trained volunteers, and taken golf into South and East London into different football academies,” he explains.

To replicate his success, consider where potential players already gather—schools, sports clubs, and community centres—and bring golf to them. Hosting taster sessions, interactive events, or fun challenges can introduce the game to people who might never have considered giving it a try.

2. Utilise Available Support

MacGregor highlights the wealth of assistance available for coaches looking to increase participation: “There’s lots of help out there from all the organisations in golf, there’s a lot of funding, people are willing to help, so ask the question of the local development offices, England Golf, see how you can get started.”

Both local and national organisations provide initiatives to support grassroots golf. By tapping into funding, equipment grants, and training resources, coaches can establish and expand their programmes with confidence, ensuring they reach as many new players as possible.

3. Challenge Stereotypes

MacGregor stresses the importance of changing perceptions around golf: “It has some stereotypes that we need to break out of the game.”

To achieve this, it’s vital to diversify messaging and programme offerings. Promote golf’s accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, using real-life stories and testimonials from individuals of different backgrounds who have embraced the sport.

4. Showcase the Benefits of Golf

MacGregor is passionate about the wide-ranging benefits golf offers: “I know the benefits that golf can bring to people - the mental benefits, the social aspect, the well-being it can bring you, as well as the competitive challenge.”

PGA Members can leverage these benefits in their marketing and coaching initiatives:

Mental health – Highlight golf as a stress-relieving outdoor activity.
Social connections – Emphasise opportunities for networking and forming friendships.
Physical fitness – Showcase health benefits, from walking the course to improving coordination.
Competition – Frame golf as a fun, accessible challenge for all ages and abilities.

5. Inspire a Love for the Game

MacGregor’s enthusiasm for sharing golf is evident: “I try to get more clubs in more hands and get people loving the game that we love ourselves.”

Encouraging enjoyment over performance is key. By making sessions fun and engaging, new players are more likely to return. Whether coaching beginners or running outreach programmes, an infectious passion for the sport can help turn first-time players into lifelong golfers.

6. Build Momentum

MacGregor emphasises how quickly participation can grow once the groundwork is laid: “Once you get the ball rolling, then it goes quickly, and people start enjoying the game.”

Starting small but maintaining consistency is crucial. A regular schedule of events or coaching sessions can build excitement and engagement. As more people experience the benefits of golf, word-of-mouth recommendations will naturally increase participation.

This success demonstrates that increasing participation is achievable through creativity, proactive community engagement, and a commitment to breaking down barriers. By adopting these strategies, PGA Professionals can introduce more people to the sport and create a thriving, inclusive golfing community.