22 November 2010

CROWN GOLF IS 'GROUP OF THE YEAR' 2010

Golf operator receives major leisure industry award

Crown Golf has received a major award from outside the golf industry, in being recognised as the UK club industry’s ‘Group Of The Year’ in the annual Club Awards 2010.

In an awards ceremony at Manchester’s Palace Hotel on November 10th 2010, Crown Golf beat off stiff competition from fellow nominees Rileys, the snooker specialists, and holiday park operators Park Holidays, to win the industry’s top award for groups.

Crown Golf is also the current holder of Clubhouse magazine’s ‘Golf Group Of The Year’ award, having won the title in both 2007 and 2008. The Clubhouse Awards return in 2011.

The Club Awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the dynamism and professionalism of the £5 billion clubs industry around the UK. Crown Golf is the industry’s first ‘Group Of The Year’, as the award was new to this year’s Club Awards.

Clubs play a pivotal role in communities across the UK, encouraging all ages to participate in grass-roots sports and fitness activities, providing local social and entertainment centres, and creating the infrastructure for the country’s leisure and holiday network.

At the heart of the UK club industry is Club Mirror magazine, owner and organiser of The Club Awards. Co-Founding Director and Head of Judges Caroline Scoular said: “Crown Golf’s achievements are impressive. In the face of tough economic conditions, the group has managed to identify and drive new markets through tailored initiatives.

“For example its ‘Discover Golf’ activity was launched across 12 of its Crown Golf Academy venues. For a monthly fee, beginners can sign up to a three-month programme which lets them attend classes of their choice - whether it’s driving, gripping, rules or etiquette, they can identify which they want to focus on. It’s a model which works well for health clubs and is clearly working for Crown Golf.

“In addition, they recognised that they were low on 19-29 year olds, so they launched a successful intermediate membership programme. And they also raised over £75,000 for charity during 2010.

“There’s not enough space to list all of Crown’s achievements; a worthy winner.”

Crown Golf’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Lewis, said: “I am very happy to accept this Award on behalf of the 1,300 employees who work at Crown Golf. It is their dedication, professionalism and commitment that is being recognised and acknowledged by receiving the Award. I would also like to thank the Club Mirror Group for organising and sponsoring such a worthwhile and enjoyable event.”

Club Mirror Publisher and Managing Director Sean Ferris said: “Now more than ever, clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. Despite so many closures in other types of local business, the industry will be campaigning and lobbying in 2011 to ensure that clubs remain an integral part of life in this country for many years to come.”

IMAGE: Crown Golf CEO Stephen Lewis (L) receives the Club Mirror Club Of The Year Award from The Route Organisation's David Paterson.

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Stephen Lewis, Crown Golf. +44 (0)1344 300200

Claire Burns, Hiseman Limited
07738 207133, claire@hiseman.com