Golf Business News – IR&A Swingzone sees over 3,200 golf lessons given at Royal Troon during open week

Four leading golf organizations have worked together to provide a memorable golfing experience for children and families, thanks to the support of the R&A, during The Open week at Royal Troon in Scotland.

The PGA, The Golf Foundation, Scottish Golf and EDGA have all been invited by The R&A to make the 'IR&A Swingzone' at Troon's Spectator Village their home for a week with one main aim: to provide an enjoyable golfing and excellent family experience . Golf fans of all ages – from three years old to over 80 – were participating in golf activities.

A total of 28 PGA Professionals were on hand to offer free lessons, in association with PGA Play, to all comers during the week, a team committed to offering an incredible number of 3,244 lessons in Troon. Of those, 890 were filled by young participants who enjoyed the opportunity to get involved. The opportunity to work in full swing, cut and lay means there is a chance for everyone to improve their game, from beginners to well-established players.

'Unit 39' on the open site map looked like a small white square but viewers instead found a colorful and welcoming structure full of fun activities, and just a short chip from the 15th fairway.

Tardis-like, the Swingzone was opened to offer 12 PGA practice bays, a cutting area, a putting area, a longest putt and a Golfway area; it all runs from Sunday to Sunday and only ends as Xander Schauffele and Justin Rose battle it out in the closing stages on the South Ayrshire coast.

Allan Martin, PGA Coach, Education and Development Manager emphasized the importance of Swingzone in getting people to play golf. He said: “We've had a lot of golfers this week who have never swung a golf club before. We increased their appetite and gave them the incentive to try which is ultimately what we want to achieve, and hopefully we can continue the great work of keeping them playing, enjoying it, and getting better at it.”

Allan also highlighted the unique nature of The Swingzone, emphasizing its commitment to the inclusion and enjoyment of all golfers and their families: “The Swingzone is an inclusive, fun, and safe place to spend quality family time, creating memorable moments fostered by the highly trained PGA. Coaches who not only inspire the golfers of today, but of the future.”

Sarah Bennett, PGA Professional at Lexden Wood Golf Club, said: “The Swingzone facility has quickly developed into a unique spectator experience similar to The Open. The camaraderie and team support from our partners and the amazing PGA staff was second to none and evident from the moment we were notified of our successful application. The first shot is now a ritual for many of the group with smiling morning selfies.

“It's refreshing to see the excitement of our visiting, returning golfers, customers and friends after their 15-minute lesson. One guest has booked a course with me for six consecutive Opens, and is taking a selfie of the glove he diligently packs every year.”

Sarah added: “My involvement as one of the team members is a great opportunity to convey the benefits of the course. This year we have used the Top Tracer range which has served as a great look for our customers providing an incredible amount of confidence they can build on with their local PGA Professional.”

Full list of 28 PGA staff who have worked together to deliver over 3,200 golf courses, including Sarah Bennett, Calum Beveridge, Ian Blair, Alan Bradshaw, Kevin Caplehorn, Carlo Ciullo, Scott Clelland, Jamie Cundy, Neil Curtis , Sophie Daws, Thomas Devine. , Geraint Dixon, Tom Gibbs, Dean Gibson, Martin Goldie, Natalie Goodall, Denise Hastings, Jack Hayward, Nick Lowe, Tiffany MacKenzie, Josh Salmon, Connor Thomas, Harry Thomson, James Tuck and Duncan Williamson.