Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2009 - 37

InsidetheMGA
Welcoming All Golfers
By Tom Ryan
MGANews
Updates on people, places
and events from the MGA
and its Allied Associations
Increasing the
number of people
playing golf
and increasing
the number of
rounds played
by already-active
golfers are popular
topics in
virtually every
golf publication
today. Everyone agrees that achieving
these goals is critical to the long-term
health of the game.
To that end, we must also be careful
not to drive people away from the
game. Some in the golf business believe
that the very traditions, rules and
competitive nature of the game are, in
fact, deterrents for beginners and recThat's
like saying little leaguers aren't
really playing baseball. To the recreational
golfer or little league star, that's
essentially nonsense.
As a member of your local club or
league, and the MGA, you're more involved
in the game than a recreational
golfer. The traditions of your club, along
with playing by the Rules of Golf and the
USGA Handicap System, are important
and should be followed.
However, don't overlook the fact that
recreational golfers are just as important
to the future of the game as we are. Recent
research done by the MGA shows that recreational
golfers love the game just as we
do. They patronize their local golf course
more often than they get credit for, and
they follow the rules and etiquette of the
game as best they know how.
Growing the game in Minnesota
means acknowledging the
importance of recreational golfers.
reational golfers. These golf insiders argue
that the rules are too restrictive and
too complex, equipment development
that could benefi t beginners or poorer
players is being squashed, and veteran
golfers-even course operators-actually
drive beginners away from the game
through intolerance or neglect.
There is some truth to the notion that
the traditional golf culture is unfriendly
to players just entering the sport. Some
golfers shun beginners. Some shame
those golfers who fail to follow the rules
to the letter. In fact, some at high levels of
the game have said a golfer who doesn't
play by the rules isn't really playing golf.
www.mngolf.org
The longer I play, the more I see that
my score is just one part of the game. It's
the feeling and sound of a well-struck
shot; it's the time with family or friends;
it's the great walk on a beautiful day and
it's a few hours recreating, away from
the daily grind.
Growing the game in Minnesota
means acknowledging the importance
of recreational golfers and recognizing
that, without them, the game has a
dim future.
We are all hooked on the game, and
while we may defi ne it differently, we're
all playing golf.
See you on the course.
Family Fun
Mark the dates: July 6-12 is the MGA's
7th Annual Bring Your Family to the
Golf Course Week. Participating MGA
member golf courses around the state
will feature a variety of events designed
to get more families and juniors on the
golf course. All junior golfers age 18 and
under play for free when accompanied
by a paying adult.
Many golf courses have ongoing family
and kids golf specials, so check with your
local golf course or visit mngolf.org for
a list of participating courses.
Golf Over the Air
Get " inside the ropes " with the latest news
and conversation on all things local golf.
Three golf shows to catch:
s &OR NIGHT OWLS Golf Bound airs
Sunday evenings, June through
August, at 11:05 p.m. on KARE 11.
s &OR THE EARLYBIRD GOLFER The
Teemaster Golf Show broadcasts
on AM 1500 every Sunday,
from now until mid-August, in
the 6:30-7 a.m. slot.
s !ND FOR GOLF FANS WHO wish they
were on the course on Saturday
morning, the Tee to Green radio
show broadcasts May through
July from 10 a.m. to noon, on
AM 1130 (KFAN).
Summer 2009 MINNESOTAGOLFER
35
http://www.mngolf.org http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2009

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