PRESS RELEASE: ‘Stupid idea’ injects over $3 million into Aussie golf.
MEDIA RELEASE
‘Stupid idea’ injects over $3 million into Aussie golf.
AN idea that was rejected by an industry stalwart as the “the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard” has developed into a game-changer, quite literally, for Australian golfers.
The simple concept was initially jarring for those not ready for the age-old pastime to be shaken up.
“In all my years in the game, this is by far the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” a longtime industry leader said. “You should quit now, this will never work.”
It’s a good thing the founders of Future Golf didn’t heed that advice.
The member and partner driven movement, which distances itself from ‘old school’ golf by offering rounds and events at partner courses and linking would-be golfers with a youth-driven community in the thousands, has injected more than $3 million into the sport in Australia since launching in 2014 and is now one of Australia’s largest golf communities.
The “stupid idea” is thriving.
“We exist because golf needs a platform that is flexible, accessible and friendly,” Future Golf Founder Ali Terai said.
“We wanted to create a golf community that was relaxed, where people didn’t feel out of place or embarrassed. Our core mission is growing the game, getting more people playing and guiding golfers from beginner to addict.”
Future Golf is helping connect a new generation of golfers with a sport that features an average age between 57 and 60. 92 per cent of members are aged between 25 and 39.
But traditional golf clubs aren’t missing out on a slice of the pie. More than 550 Future Golf members have gone on to become members of clubs all across Australia.
Mr Terai said the club’s mission is to build a community of 1 million golfers. But he acknowledges that getting to this point hasn’t been easy.
“It was probably time to pull the pin after getting that early feedback,” he said. “But for some reason we couldn’t. We kept hosting stupidly small events. We kept posting on social media. We kept calling clubs.
“Slowly, a few members started to join and then it snowballed.”
Those members are reaping the rewards, which include rounds at Australia’s best public and private courses, introductory lessons, a golf handicap, golf trips, apparel and access to Xgolf, Topgolf, driving ranges and mini golf.
Members who joined say it’s changed their life.
“For me, Future Golf isn’t just a handicap and some free golf,” one member said. “It has become my second family.”
Future Golf now have over 50 partner courses and have just announced Yarra Yarra Golf Club as one of their prestige partners.
Six Future Golf members have joined Yarra Yarra over the past 12 months demonstrating what a great pathway the model is for delivering new members to traditional golf clubs.
Yarra Yarra’s General Manager Peter Vlahandreas said “This is the market we really need, the 25-40 year old market, as they are the future of our clubs. It is a great pathway. We are thrilled to be a prestige partner with Future Golf and look forward to an amazing partnership together.”
For interviews with Future Golf CEO and Founder Ali Terai contact Future Golf Communications Manager, Madeline Ross 0417 116 455 [email protected]
Future Golf website (www.futuregolf.com.au)
Future Golf on Facebook (www.facebook.com/futuregolfclub) Future Golf on Instagram (www.instagram.com/futuregolf)