Olympic golf champion Justin Rose hopes his victory will inspire people to take up the sport.
Rose, an England Golf ambassador, birdied the last to beat Henrik Stenson by two shots in Rio and become the game’s first gold medal winner for 112 years.
England Golf chief executive Nick Pink says the organisation stands ready to help anyone who wants to take up the game.
Rose, who won the US Open in 2013, said: “I hope my win and the Olympics inspires people to get into golf. It truly is a sport for everyone, whatever your age or ability.
“Back at home England Golf, who supported me as I developed as a golfer, are working with clubs to encourage participation with beginner courses, taster lessons and special events and break down perceived barriers to playing.”
England’s Rose
As an amateur Rose was an England international and a top boy player, winning the U16 and U18 McGregor and Carris Trophies.
He added: “Golf is a game for everyone and I think that the Olympics will help make that point by getting more and more people playing.”
England Golf are hoping the game will grow rapidly after Rose’s success. More than a million adults already play at least once a month.
Pink added: “Justin’s wonderful win is a fantastic result both for him and for golf.
“I am certain it will inspire thousands of people to set out to follow in his footsteps and enjoy the great game of golf – and we are ready to help guide them on their way.”
He added: “Everyone can play golf, there are no age limits and your ability doesn’t matter – golf has a handicapping system which irons out the differences between players and means everyone can play with each other.
“Golf clubs and driving ranges everywhere are working incredibly hard to attract people to the game and all it has to offer.
“It’s an excellent game to play with family and friends because there’s plenty of time for conversation on the course and a really good social life in the clubhouse”
England Golf’s Get Into Golf campaign offers beginner courses and taster sessions at clubs and ranges nationwide.
Golf Express highlights clubs offering 9-hole deals for those who don’t have the time for a full round.
Visit www.getintogolf.org and www.golfexpress9.org for more details.
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