CGPs used Olympics to showcase golf
17th September, 2012 by Jenny Yu
Thousands of people have tried golf for the first time thanks to the innovation of England county golf partnerships (CGPs) during the Olympics and Paralympics.
For example, as large crowds flooded Cheltenham Racecourse for the Torch Relay, Gloucestershire CGP was there to market its services, while when Bradley Wiggins was winning Olympic gold in the cycling time trial, Surrey CGP was also offering free taster sessions to fans.
Even Lord Coe was one of thousands of people to tee up when he visited the free sports arena on Weymouth Beach, close to the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, and Jim Pocknell, chairman of Kent CGP, carried the Olympic flame in Deal.
Golf will once again become an Olympic sport in 2016 and England Golf’s south east regional development officer, Andy Willems, remarked: “The feel good factor has certainly swept the nation during the Olympics and Paralympics. I am delighted that golf had an opportunity to be part of ‘inspiring a generation’ to get active and involved in sport.
“If we can sustain and harness this enthusiasm over the next four years to the Rio Games, we have a real opportunity to show how vibrant and viable golf can be.”
