Gaudet Luce shortlisted for England Golf Club of the Year

Congratulations to all at Gaudet Luce Golf Club for their nomination for England Golf Club of the Year.

Gaudet Luce Golf & Leisure has been shortlisted for the Club of the Year award at the 2026 England Golf Awards, recognising a landmark year of community impact, inclusive growth, and innovative player development.

Central to the club’s nomination is the outstanding success of its “Swing Into Golf” programme, which has introduced over 250 new golfers to the sport in just seven months—establishing one of Worcestershire’s most effective and welcoming pathways into golf.Designed to remove barriers and make the sport accessible to complete beginners, Swing Into Golf offers a friendly, jargon‑free, three‑level structure.Participants begin with a free four‑week Level 1 introduction, progressing through Level 2 (Technique) and Level 3 (On‑Course Play). This clear pathway bridges the gap between the driving range and independent play, helping newcomers build confidence, skills, and a genuine connection to the game.More than 55 participants have already advanced to Level 3 and taken up the club’s reduced beginner membership, demonstrating the programme’s strength in both recruitment and retention.Gaudet Luce has reinforced this commitment by appointing a dedicated Golf Participation and Events Manager, ensuring every new player receives ongoing support and a seamless introduction to club life.The club’s extensive facilities—including an 18‑hole course, 9‑hole Par 3, practice areas, and vibrant social spaces—provide the ideal environment for beginners to transition from lessons to regular group rounds and full membership.With an open‑door policy, non‑members are welcome to practise or play, and short‑game areas remain free to use.The Par 3 course also hosts disc golf and footgolf, broadening the club’s appeal to a wider sporting community.Inclusion sits at the heart of Gaudet Luce’s ethos. As a SafeGolf accredited club, safeguarding and etiquette are embedded from the outset through the teaching of ‘The Spirit of Golf’, ensuring all new players learn essential courtesies and feel confident on the course.Additional ladies’ events, an expanded women’s clothing range, and a growing calendar of family‑friendly activities—including a Ladies Fashion Show and the Halloween “Fore the Fright” night—further strengthen the club’s welcoming culture.Looking ahead, the club is preparing to launch Level 4 of Swing Into Golf in March 2026, supporting progressing players with continued skill development.Combined with ongoing investment in facilities and retail spaces, Gaudet Luce has demonstrated a clear, sustainable vision for growth—cementing its position as a truly inclusive, community‑driven club worthy of national recognition.