Golf NZ is on a mission for golf to be the most accessible sport in Aoteoroa. Find out how we worked with them to create a bespoke online self-assessment tool designed to kick-start the accessibility journey for almost 400 golf clubs nationwide.
Golf NZ: A cost-effective solution to make golf more accessible
Organisation: Golf NZ
Annual players: Approximately 500,000
Ready-made tools and services: Accessibility assessment, Be. Starter
Bespoke solution: Tailored online self-assessment tool
The background
- Golf New Zealand is the governing body for golf in Aoteoroa, responsible for leading, growing and supporting the game of golf.
- Last year, Golf NZ launched its new Disability Action Plan following the inaugural New Zealand All Abilities Championship.
- The Disability Action Plan provides the direction for Golf NZ to lead systemic change to give disabled people more choice and improved access when learning, playing, or competing in golf.
- The plan was the catalyst for Golf NZ engaging with Be. to provide golf clubs with best practice guidelines and tools to improve accessibility across the sector.
The goal
- Golf NZ is on a mission for golf to be the most inclusive and accessible sport in New Zealand, ensuring clubs and facilities are welcoming to all.
- With almost 400 golf clubs nationwide and individual onsite assessments not within their budget, the goal was to create an efficient and cost-effective solution to kick-start their accessibility journey, introduce them to holistic accessibility and provide tailored recommendations.
The approach
- Be. Coach Angelo Samuels started with an onsite accessibility assessment of the Remuera Golf Club, also home to the Golf NZ head office.
- Using the insights gained from the onsite assessment, Be. worked with Golf NZ to create a bespoke online self-assessment tool that golf clubs can use to generate their own accessibility report with tailored recommendations.
- The tool was designed with both a player and visitor in mind. With many club facilities used for public events such as weddings, it was important to consider accessibility from all angles.
The outcome
- The self-assessment tool only takes 60 minutes to complete and incorporates easy yes/no questions.
- It covers areas such as website, physical site, customer service and employment practices.
- Several golf clubs have trialed the tool, which will be rolled out nationwide in November 2023.
The future
- Armed with individual recommendations, golf clubs around the country will be making changes to improve the accessibility of their course and facilities.
- If needed, Be. will assist golf clubs by offering one-to-one support from a Be. Coach.
- Be. will continue to support Golf NZ as they roll out their Disability Action Plan and make golf the most accessible and inclusive sport in New Zealand.
“We are excited to share this online tool for all golf clubs and facilities in New Zealand. Be Lab’s expertise in accessibility provides golf clubs the opportunity to reflect on their current practices and the guidance to act to becoming fully accessible facilities.”
- Thiem Nguyen, Golf New Zealand’s General Manager of Golf Development
Do you want to partner with Be. to improve the accessibility of your recreational space, place or event?
We know your organisation is unique. That’s why our co-design approach incorporates both ready-made programmes and bespoke solutions.
One of our ready-made programmes is the Be. Starter online self-assessment tool. No matter your size or budget, it will help you understand your current state of accessibility across a range of areas, including your website, physical site, customer service and employment practices.
Send our friendly team an e-mail today or visit our services page to find out more about how we can help.
