Playing golf can put you on ‘Cloud 9’
These days, every time I hear the phrase “Grow the Game” I’m rolling my eyes. I wish
I didn’t. Is that wrong?
Over the past few years, I’ve heard all these programs including the PGA of America’s “Golf 2.0,” the “Play Golf America” promotion featuring five group lessons for $99, and many, many junior golf programs. Heck, I’ve been involved in one locally called “Hook a Kid on Golf,” the precursor to the more recognized “First Tee.” But then I throw up my hands when I see what doesn’t seem to be working. Even with free or reduced cost lessons for kids and provided clubs, they don’t return. Not even with a parent or guardian.
Now, I’m not talking about the country club kids. Last summer, I spent some time with the PGA Junior League that features jerseys and supportive parents. It’s easy to get those kids to return. And that seems to be a great program.
Then there’s the eye-rolling decisions. Some cheese-doodler calling in a rules violation. When the staid powers-that-be actually entertain those guys with HDTV and TIVO, that doesn’t help the game.
Other than TV umpires and the cost, another major complaint I hear about playing golf is that it takes too long. Well, it does, unless you realize you can get outside for a couple of hours, learn the game, have fun and still get your errands done. That’s available either at a driving range, an executive course or with the USGA’s PLAY9 Program, launched in 2014 (maybe not recently with all the rainy and cool weather. But that is expected to change this week).
This year, there will be a broader focus on the local level. The idea is to educate and rally both golfers and non-golfers around the nine-hole round, according to the USGA. It addresses busy lifestyles, which is another of the top reasons people don’t pick up the game. Last year, I would get a reminder through social media on the “ninth” of the month that it was time to PLAY9. The USGA is encouraging special rates for nine-holes on those, and other designated days, so you too can reach “Cloud 9.”
According to the USGA, a 2016 study showed several things: nine-hole rounds comprised onethird of rounds played with women, casual players and golfers under age 55 are driving that interest; nine-hole scores made up between 8-9 percent of all scores posted to the USGA’s GHIN system (20142016), up from 6 percent (2010-2013). Perception of the nine-hole round as a simple, effective and time-friendly option increased from 46 percent (2015) to 54 percent (2016). That is particularly strong with women and private club members, with 78 percent of both groups liking that. The mean percentage of facility revenue generated by nine-hole rounds increased from 22 percent (2015) to 27 percent (2016). Forty percent of facilities saw a year-over-year increase in the number of nine-hole rounds played in 2016.
Please don’t misunderstand. I want everyone to learn the game. I think it’s a great game. I wish everybody else did. But if they don’t, that’s OK. They don’t know what they’re missing, though.
Enyga
Dave LaFleche of Van Patten is off to a hot start in the Eastern New York Golf Association. He’s won two straight — at his home course and at Queensbury. This week, the circuit is making its first stop at Catskill Golf Club (one of the best logos around). And as pointed out to me by a keen observer, you know what course is not on the schedule this year? Frear Park in Troy (lousy logo). Perhaps it’s the city’s budget woes. I’ll have to look into it further.
For more information on ENYGA, contact Andrew Pludrzynski at 852-2785 or email him at EasternNewYorkGolf@gmail.com.
Women’s golf day
The international event is Tuesday, June 6. Courses will be encouraged to sponsor clinics and other activities. Right now, there’s one event I know of: Kay McMahon of EduKaytion Golf will sponsor a clinic at Mill Road Acres in Latham from 4-8 p.m.
Gator golf
Sage College is holding its 13th annual Gator Golf Classic on Monday, June 5 at Albany Country Club. To participate either as a golfer or a sponsor, contact Sandy Augstein- Collins at (518) 244-2417 or augsts@sage.edu.
Catskill classic
The 36-holes Best Ball Medal Play with eight team flights (based on hdcp) will be held July 2829.
Green-reading materials
The USGA and R& A put out a joint statement May 1 about such things: “a player’s ability to read greens is an essential part of the skill of putting. Rule 14-3 limits the use of equipment and devices that might assist a player in their play, based on the principle that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the judgement, skills and abilities of the player. We are concerned about the rapid development of increasingly detailed materials that players are using to help with reading greens during a round. We are reviewing the use of these materials to assess whether any actions need to be taken to protect this important part of the game. We expect to address this matter further in the coming months.”