YORK and North Yorkshire golf clubs increasingly imperilled by the economic downswing can get help.

The English Golf Union has reminded clubs it will provide expert assistance to any venues wanting to avoid potential hardship.

As revealed in a special investigation in The Press on Thursday, Heworth Golf Club tapped into the guidance offered by the EGU as part of its radical three-year development plan.

Eager to offset a trend of cash loss and return to prosperity ahead of the club’s centenary in just under two years’ time, Heworth GC sought aid from landlords, City of York Council, and the EGU.

Richard Brown, EGU regional development officer, whose area encompasses North Yorkshire, said the organisation remains at the beck and call of clubs.

Declared Brown, who revealed how nationally no fewer than six golf clubs had recently gone into administration: “If there are clubs that are struggling out there, there’s a lot of things that the EGU as a Government body can do.

“We will not bail out anyone money-wise, but there are a lot of suggestions we can make say, to reduce outgoings and also identify what’s best for a particular club.

“As Heworth have shown, clubs have to be willing to help themselves. The EGU can then help to empower clubs by guiding them to putting a plan together.”

Added Brown, who has been with the EGU for nine years: “In the past, golf has dictated to the public.

“I’m not saying that’s wrong, but clubs have now got to identify what the public wants.

“That means clubs have got to be willing to change.

“They have got to be pro-active and make sure they provide value for money.

“A lot of clubs have now got to think outside of the box. How can we attract people? Are we giving people what they want? These are the questions that have to be asked.

“Unfortunately, while there are a lot of people who want to play golf, they don’t always know how to go about it.”

While York and its immediate surrounding area boasts a lot of clubs – there are 11 within a 20-mile radius – Brown insisted all could be sustained provided they concentrated and developed their own niche in the market and strove to get rid of the stigma of golf being: “elitist, sexist and ageist”.

A member of Malton and Norton Golf Club for 25 years, Brown added: “I am so passionate about golf and I want to see it thrive in and around York and North Yorkshire.

“But every club has to be slightly different and that difference has to be marketed the right way with as much information as possible going out to members to demonstrate they are being involved in their club.

“I think golf could change dramatically in the next ten years, so clubs have got to be 100 per cent committed in their aims to change their ways.”