Continuing the legacy of Ryder Cup France 2018, the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) is supporting the work of the milestone 100th short course that is part of the Fédération Française de golf (ffgolf) programme.
The RCEDT - the vehicle through which Ryder Cup Europe invest in the development of the game across Europe - will help the Ligue de golf Occitanie Regional Training and Development Center to establish a coaching programme led by PGA of France Professionals aimed at encouraging juniors to visit the facility and learn the sport.
"The inauguration of this 100th short course is the culmination of an ambitious plan for the development of golf carried by the ffgolf as part of the hosting of the 2018 Ryder Cup,” said ffgolf Vice-Président, Pascal Grizot.
“This is a new illustration of the greatness of the legacy left by the Ryder Cup. These small structures are keys to creating new golfers. They are the indication of the growth we are currently experiencing.”
Guy Kinnings, European Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted that the success of The 2018 Ryder Cup has manifested itself in this tangible illustration of how one of the world’s biggest sporting events can leave a lasting and meaningful legacy in the host country.
“Following on from our recent Economic Activity report, which showed that France as a whole benefitted to the tune of some €235 million through spectator and visitor spending, this yet again shows the power of good of The Ryder Cup.”
“The RCEDT is delighted to be able to support the 100th short course that has formed part of this ambitious activity,” said RCEDT Chairman, Jonathan Mannie.
“The 2018 Matches were hugely successful and really provided an opportunity for French golf to shine, and this programme really delivered as they reached their targets and created something that could travel into other countries in the future as well. Now it is the role of France’s golfing bodies to continue to work together and ensure this legacy lives on for years to come.”
The Regional Training and Development Center will be operated by the Ligue de golf Occitanie, a regional organisation of the FFG, and will focus on training school children, beginner golfers and female golfers at the facility that includes a compact 9-hole course and various practice facilities.
After 10 years of work, the short course project has had a significant impact on French golf, developing 17,000 new players, creating over 250 jobs and generating economic benefits such as increased investment into golf and contribution to the national GDP through an average of €220,000 of revenue and 3000 green fees per course.
The short courses have provided a practical, easy and quick way to play, creating facilities located in more urban areas that are a more affordable entry point into the sport.
The 100th short course facility exemplifies the projects aims by bringing golf to an predominantly industrial area of the Occitanie capital city of Toulouse.
