UK golf singles take to the fairways

Aimed at single people who either live on their own, are divorced or widowed, SingleGolfClub is a multi-national network of golfers who enjoy regular events at high quality venues throughout Europe.

SingleGolfClub was the brainchild of Gerhard Koch, a former International Service Manager for a leading German company. Having launched the club in Switzerland in 2004, Gerhard expanded into Germany, Austria, the French-speaking part of Switzerland and, this year, launches in the UK. Now in his sixties, Koch recently handed the reins to his son Christian who is spearheading further expansion into the USA, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Right from the start we wanted to develop a distinctive international brand, explains Koch. SingleGolfClub is now destined for the English-speaking world and we re really excited about the prospect of launching in the UK. I have travelled extensively over the years but have always found friendships through golf it s an international language and a common passion.

SingleGolfClub has a network of experienced Event Managers who run competitions in their respective territories. Former PGA Tournament Director and Ryder Cup referee Andrew Thorp recently took on the task of managing the UK operation, and events are already in place for this summer (see schedule below).

SGC has a great reputation in Europe and I intend to build on that in the UK , explains Thorp, a qualified golf teacher, business coach and motivational speaker. If you enjoy golf and want to meet like-minded people, this is a great opportunity. We have some amazing venues across the UK, with top quality facilities.

Our events are open to anyone with an interest in golf, and even novices are welcome. As well as running a competition for the more experienced golfers, we also organise tuition for beginners at the same venue. That means that novices can learn some skills, and enjoy the other facilities of the resort, while the golfers battle it out on the course. This parallel activity means that everyone is together at the start and the end of the day, making the event totally inclusive and great fun.

Membership too is based on territories, allowing players to access events either in their own country or on an international basis. There is no joining fee but members pay a graded annual subscription fee, for example taking in just England (currently £165 per annum), or the whole of the UK, Europe or worldwide.

Obviously players meet whilst competing in events, but all members are entered on a membership directory which they can access in a password-protected web area. Anyone interested in SingleGolfClub can take part in one event on a taster basis before deciding on joining.

Being an international network, SingleGolfClub organises overseas golf holidays at a variety of stunning venues in tandem with a professional travel partner. Furthermore, the European SingleGolfClub Cup challenges members from all participating nations to compete in a superb end-of-year tournament in Mallorca (November).

The SingleGolfClub membership fee includes an international Golf Fee Card (valued at £65). This provides discounts of up to 50% at 2200 golf clubs and 2300 golf hotels throughout the world.

And for those with a taste for the luxurious, SingleGolfClub offers a special Gold membership, providing exclusive first class service, access to the finest hotels and golf venues, well-researched travel guides and a golf professional or club manager to accompany you on golf events and holidays. A proportion of each membership subscription fee does, incidentally, go to a children s charity.

Since forming the club in 2004, we ve shared some fabulous experiences and made some life-long introductions, adds Koch. In fact anyone who finds a life partner through SingleGolfClub becomes an Honorary Member! But it s not all about that. You ll make some great friends too and enjoy some wonderful golf courses.

For further information on SingleGolfClub UK, please visit www.singlegolfclub.co.uk