Origins
In 2004, Sport England (who distribute Lottery money to English Sport) designated golf as one of the top 10 sports in the country and asked EGU, ELGA and PGA to produce a 'Whole Sport for Golf' which covered all elements of the game - amateur, professional, men, ladies and juniors. This plan was produced and submitted for funding in February 2005. As a result, Sport England awarded golf £9million for the period 2005 - 2009. This is administered by The England Golf Partnership whose members are EGU, ELGA, PGA with the support of the Golf Foundation and Sport England.
The plan itself consists of three main sections - 'Start', 'Stay' and 'Succeed'. The first two of these sections covers getting people into the game and then retaining them. 'Succeed', as its title implies, deals with the elite end of the game at county and national levels.
In order to implement the 'Whole Sport Plan' at county level, a number of 'pilots' were initiated - BB&O, Northants and Surrey. Partnerships have been formed within those three county unions and Development Plans produced and submitted to EGU/ELGA for funding.
The Essex Golf Partnership was formed in July 2007 and works closely with EGU/ELGA through Regional Development Officer Steven Peet. The Essex Partnership is concerned - mainly - with the 'Start' and 'Stay' elements of the 'Whole Sport Plan'.
The Essex Golf Partnership has a Steering Committee made up of representatives of the three partner organisations, as follows:
Essex Golf Union - Mike Hart(Chairman), Philip Kirkham
Essex Ladies Association Pat Garner, Maureen Crosbie
Essex PGA - Thomas Hide, Sarah Bennett
County Development Officer - Helen Tarttelin
