The questionnaire was distributed to golf clubs across the country, and of the 40 per cent of English clubs that completed the survey, over 25 per cent reported a rise in membership in the past two years, despite overall memberships decreasing in England last year.

The study also shows that golf clubs are going to greater lengths to attract members by offering various categories of membership, such as corporate and student memberships, in an attempt to entice players to sign up.

"These are very difficult times for golf clubs, both in terms of the economy and overcoming the effects of the wettest summer for 100 years." said Richard Flint, development manager of England Golf.

"But, it is encouraging to see clubs responding to these challenges in creative and imaginative ways and putting their customers at the heart of everything they do."

The County Golf Partnership (CGP) network has also been successful in helping clubs to attract new members and keep existing members.

A survey by England Golf has suggested that golf is now more accessible than ever.

England Golf claim that the CGP network has contributed to the introduction of over 150,000 to the sport over the last four years, and that club's should continue to work with their local CGP in order to flourish.

"England Golf is here to support golf clubs and we urge clubs to take advantage of this and to work with their County Golf Partnership to recruit and retain members." said Flint.

Clubs are now also facilitating more to the needs of junior players, according to the survey.

Around 97 per cent of golf clubs now offer junior coaching to members and non-members, and there are now more opportunities for young players to compete in main events and adult tournaments.

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