Golf enthusiasts and beginners in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France have a lot to look forward to as five clubs—Aix-en-Provence, Sausset-les-Pins, Mouriès, Mallemort, and Miramas—host initiation sessions. Under the direction of the French Golf Federation, these sessions will be open to everyone from March 28 to April 13, providing a unique opportunity to explore the sport of golf.

The Goal of Golf Initiations: “Come and Discover the Joy of Golf”

Henri Tessore, owner of the Aix-en-Provence golf club, emphasized the goal of these initiation sessions. “The goal of all of us in golf is to say, ‘Come and try, come and discover what it is really,’” Henri said. “Golf is above all nature, contrary to what many imagine. This is why we encourage them to participate in initiations so that they can have a real idea.”

Breakthrough: Rediscovering Elite Sport as Accessible to All

This is not the first time the sport is making a breakthrough. In the past decade, the number of golf licensees has surged by 8.4%, adding 34,148 more licenses in record years such as 2023 (with 445,306 licenses) and 2024 (with 442,536 licenses). Some of this increased popularity can be attributed to the effective communication strategies of the federation, which highlight the diversified nature and financial accessibility of the sport. These sessions highlight that golf is not just reserved for the elite but is open for all to explore.

“I think that this boom is due to a good communication campaign of the federation, which highlights the accessibility of golf, whether from a financial point of view or by the diversity of the activities offered.”

The misconception that golf is an exclusive sport is slowly dissipating, much like tennis did over the past three decades. According to reports, although France is home to 700 golf courses, only 10-15% are reserved for the elite—a comparative rarity in the golfing world. Engaging initiatives like these pave the way for greater inclusivity, thereby democratizing the sport for all.

The Tournament

Beyond these initiation sessions, the golf discipline also is hosting key events, such as the 14th edition of the Open Edition Tournaments, scheduled from this week at the Golf de la Cabre d’Or in Cabriès. This tournament will run for 5 days, focusing on raising funds for orphans and firefighters who lost their lives in the service. This year, the participants include nearly 550 players.

Promoting teamwork and Fair Play

The tournament features a variety of competitions to keep the players engaged and competitive. Noteworthy events include:

• Open Edition Jeunes – fostering the next generation of golfers.
• Partner Competition – honouring the support from private and institutional sources.
• Individual Day – a competitive single-player format.
• Scramble – a weekend-friendly format to encourage teamwork and sportsmanship.