Justin Rose launches golf academy to attract five million new players

Justin Rose has teamed up with American Golf to launch his new golf academy and attract millions of new players.

Former World No.1 Justin Rose has joined forces with American Golf to launch a new academy that aims to make golf more attractive and inclusive.

Rose, who became an MBE after his Olympic golf gold medal win in 2016, and the golf retail giant have revealed a world-class academy as they bid to connect five million people with the sport for the first time.

The Ryder Cup star who, alongside his wife Kate, has drawn huge praise for launching the Rose Ladies’ Series to help support the women’s game, says his academy is built around American Golf‘s drive to make the game more accessible, regardless of people’s age, gender, social background, and ability.

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Led by a team of highly trained PGA Professional Coaches and working with golfers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned Professionals, the Justin Rose Academy will operate from American Golf’s leisure sites, including its flagship Golf Kingdom Leisure Park in Essex, Cheshire’s High Legh Park Golf Club, Rossendale Family Golf Complex in Lancashire, Hemingford Abbots Golf Complex in Cambridgeshire, Wythall Driving Range in Birmingham and Bexley’s Barnehurst Golf Club.

The Academy will have a firm focus on community engagement, taking the sport off the golf course and into new territories via social media and influencer activities, events, and a dedicated schools programme that will introduce children to the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits of golf.

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In its first five years, the Academy aims to bring 18,000 young people onto the Justin Rose junior programme, with more than 5,000 free lessons for school children given away during the first year.

“It’s an extremely exciting time for the golf,” Rose said. Not only is participation up, but the average age of players has decreased by five years to 41, plus 400,000 women have taken up golf for the first time since 2020. 

“Encouraging young people to play golf will protect the future of the sport and schools are a crucial part of our outreach. It’s our vision to have golf on the P.E. curriculum. The Academy will enable more people to benefit from the social and health benefits of golf, as well as us uncovering future champions. 

“Linking with American Golf to launch the Academy makes complete sense given its vast network of golf ranges and stores across the UK.”

Gary Favell, American Golf’s CEO, described the launch of the Academy as a “landmark day for golf in the UK.”

“Justin is an extraordinary player and a hugely inspirational ambassador for the sport,” Favell continued. “Our Justin Rose Academy has huge ambitions to accelerate golf participation while changing the perception of the sport for good and making sure it’s accessible to all.”

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Attracting more minority groups into the game is a key focus for Kate Rose, who’s also leading the charge in her role as Inclusivity Ambassador at the Academy, ensuring every minority group is able to participate in the sport.

“The Justin Rose Academy is for everyone, from beginners to aspiring tournament professionals, our aim is to inspire, educate and show people the real joy that comes from golf – whether that be a round with friends, a trip to the driving range or participation in a school tournament,” Favell added.

Find out more about the academy at www.justinrosegolfacademy.co.uk. Members of the public and schools can sign up for free ‘Get into Golf’ sessions as well as book for group lessons, including ladies, children and family group sessions.

You can also follow the Justin Rose Academy on Instagram and Facebook.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rob Jerram is the Digital Editor of todaysgolfer.co.uk

He has been a journalist for more than 20 years, starting his career with Johnston Press where he covered local and regional news and sport in a variety of editorial roles across ten years.

Rob joined Bauer Media in 2010 and worked as the Senior Production Editor of Today’s Golfer and Golf World magazines for ten years before moving into the Digital Editor’s role in July 2020.

He has been playing golf for almost three decades and has been a member at Greetham Valley in Rutland for eight years, playing off a 12 handicap.

Rob uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, TaylorMade M5 5-wood, TaylorMade P790 irons (4-PW), Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), Evnroll ER2 putter, and TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

You can email Rob or get in touch with him on Twitter.