It seems like Saudi Arabia shifted to a higher speed in the transformation of its economy and society.
The Saudis want to tackle as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development the issues of
- poverty,
- inequality,
- climate change,
- prosperity,
- peace,
- justice,
- education,
- health,
- social protection and
- the availability of employment opportunities, and, realizing the intersecting nature of these issues, makes sure they are all included in its national strategy.
As for the golf industry from this is
Golf Saudi announced a number of new programs connected to The Social Agenda, part of the newly-launched National Sustainability Strategy.
The newly-launched National Sustainability Strategy is built on 3 pillars:
- the enrichment of Saudi’s Environment (The Green Agenda),
- delivering benefit to the national economy (The Economic Agenda) and
- providing opportunities to the domestic population (The Social Agenda).
The Social Agenda is focusing especially on these 3 issues:
- the creation of education,
- employment and
- leisure activities.
Early Social Agenda programs announced at Royal Greens during the Saudi International powered by Softbank Advisers, took place from February 4-7, including
- an Internship Scheme for new graduates within Golf Saudi and
- an access program for disabled people and the children of veterans at golf courses around the country.
One of the first Saudis to enter this program was Abdulrahman Almansour (see picture below), a current Saudi National team player who is also currently undertaking an internship across Golf Saudi’s different departments.
Offer 500 veterans and disabled individuals
Golf Saudi has just added an additional initiative to continue its mission to make golf available and accessible for all.
The latest program will offer 500 veterans and disabled individuals, along with their children, complimentary membership and lessons, as well as a pathway to begin regularly playing golf.
This is part of Golf Saudi’s plans to remain fully committed to making golf inclusive for all in Saudi Arabia.
Similar to the Ladies First Club
Similar to the Ladies First Club, which was launched in late 2020, the complimentary membership will include a digital ‘Introduction to Golf’ education pack, which will provide monthly seminars outlining the key aspects of golf for beginners.
All courses operated by Golf Saudi will offer clinics for participants of the scheme on a monthly basis. Led by a certified Golf Saudi coach, the program will conclude with an on-course induction for all participants and a chance to play an 18-hole round.
‘Let it Fly’ program
A country-wide mass participation program, titled ‘Let it Fly’, will be rolled out to provide men, women, and children the opportunity to learn golf through a number of unique activations.
The first of these took place on the beachfront at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) during the tournament I mentioned above.
Further activations will follow in parks and shopping malls as soon as it is safe to do so, with consumers being invited to register their interest in taking part at a later date.
A central component of ‘Let it Fly’ is the roll-out of a school program that will see tens of thousands of children given tuition as part of the physical education curriculum when schools return, Tadrees Holding, WAAD Academy, and Misk Schools being amongst the early adopters.
A pilot program has already achieved close to 18,000 participants.