As the Royal Dutch Golf Federation (NGF) and the blended agency iO firmly state, golf is for everyone. Since 2016, they have been working together to create a better and more inclusive digital golfing experience for every player—regardless of age, gender, or skill level. Version 2.0 of the Golf.nl app, which has more than 130,000 monthly users, is a significant step in this mission.

The challenges: ageing and skewed gender balance 

How do you lower the barrier to starting golf for a broad and young target group and make the game even more fun for experienced players? The NGF and iO are tackling these challenges with new and innovative extensions of the existing Golf.nl app. The new features are part of a multi-year plan drawn up after thorough research among 5,000 app users. 

Danielle Wallet , General Director of Operations at NGF: 

“ A balanced golfing population is an important focus for golf as a sustainable sport. That’s why we are working daily to attract more women and younger people to play golf. Accessibility is key, and digitisation is an essential part of this. With the Golf.nl app, we are delivering relevant services to every golfer to increase their enjoyment of the game. Now that the app is also available to novice golfers and to players who are not yet members of a club, we are taking the next important step towards making golf more accessible.” 

Wish becomes a reality: access for all 

Want to quickly book a tee time, check your golf friends’ results, view their photos and share some of your own rounds? The new version of the Golf.nl app makes it all possible. However, the most significant change is that the app is now available to those not yet a golf club member. In the app, beginners will find information, inspiration, and guidance to discover the sport at their own pace, which aligns with the NGF's largest awareness campaign ever: ' Welcome to the Club    

Max Doomernik , Product Owner at iO: 

“With the latest developments in the Golf.nl app, we added an important digital touchpoint to the customer journey of novice golfers. We are lowering the barrier and are making golf more accessible to everyone. A fantastic milestone that is completely in line with the strategic focus of the NGF.”    

A promising future for golf  

More than 2.500 users who are not yet club members are already using the app - an important step towards greater acceptance of golf in the Netherlands. The NGF and iO continue to improve the Golf.nl app with this goal in mind, making golf accessible to everyone.