Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2011 - 36

(punch shots
)
MGANews
InsidetheMGA
Golf's Challenges Make the Game what it
is-Fun
By Tom Ryan
One of the hot topics among golf insiders
is the decline in golfer participation.
Nationally,
rounds are down, and the
numbers of core and occasional golfers
are down as well. With the economy and
societal changes impacting participation
and rounds, any measurable loss of golfers
is a well-founded concern among stakeholders.
There
is empirical data that explains
some of the reasons why golfers come and
go, play more or less: It's the economy, it's
the weather, it's the impact of 9/11, and it's
lifestyle changes (here in Minnesota, it's
the weather that has the strongest impact
on rounds). In spite of the research, or
maybe for the lack of it, there is a new idea
gaining traction in certain circles: Golf is
hurting because it is no longer fun enough
to attract and retain golfers.
Champions of this thinking offer an alternative
with the basic premise that people
leave the game because the rules are
too complex and restrictive, and it's just
ing by the rules makes it a game. Doing
it well, or at least with good grace, is what
sets golf and those who play it apart from
other sports.
The alternative game they promote essentially
removes the challenge of playing
the ball as it lies by suggesting " rules " that
allow for a second chance (a mulligan) on
every hole, as well as the option of moving
the ball so the player never has to play
from a hazard or undesirable lie. Where's
the fun in that? The fact is, these rules are
more or less what already occur in scrambles
and most Monday charity events.
Research conducted on behalf of the
MGA in 2008 told us that while the occasional
golfer may not have the desire for a
USGA handicap index, most still wanted
to play by the rules of the game. And as
with all sports at the entry level, beginners
and occasional golfers already play under
a very loose set of rules.
While their expressed mission is to
Negotiating the course, its hazards and
the whims of lucky bounces, both good
and bad, is part of the game's allure.
too hard to play and enjoy. Thus a " fun "
alternative to golf is needed to fix the
game. The current golf market is no joke
for the challenged golf course operator.
And while it's important that stakeholders
think outside of the box for solutions,
an alternative to golf on the basis that the
game is broken isn't the answer.
Golf, at its most elemental, has always
presented a challenge: Play your ball and
the course as you find them. Negotiating
the course, its hazards and the whims of
lucky bounces, both good and bad, is part
of the game's allure. The rules exist for the
most part to deal with things that happen
to you or your ball along the way. Play34
MINNESOTAGOLFER
Summer 2011
make the game more fun and appealing
to a larger audience,
a
look at
the statements
from the movement's
founders
and supporters
and at their website suggest it to be more
in line with finding a market for non-conforming
equipment and golf balls than it
does with what's good for golf.
So " fun " really means new markets and
meaningless rules?
Golf is a great game. On the one hand,
it's a test for the world's best players. On
the other hand, it's a wonderful recreational
diversion for friends or family on
a sunny summer afternoon. The problem
with golf is not the game. Let's focus on
introducing people to our great game, and
leave the alternative games to the disc-golf
crowd.
See you on the course.
www.mngolf.org
Updates on people, places
and events from the MGA
and its Allied Associations
Parent-Child Event at
Brackett's Crossing
Kick off the " Bring Your Family to the
Golf Course " week on Monday, July
11, with the inaugural MGA ParentChild
Golf Event at Brackett's Crossing
Country Club in Lakeville. The familyfriendly
festivities start at 3 p.m. with a
golf clinic presented by Brackett's professional
staff, followed by a 4:30 p.m.
9-hole shotgun and food after golf. The
golf includes a competitive division (1
of 2 net best-ball) and a recreational
division (scramble). Both team members
must be MGA members to play in
the competitive division; only one of
the team members need be an MGA
member for the recreational play. The
$50 team entry fee covers the golf plus
on-course events, door prizes, tee gifts
and food and refreshments after golf.
The Parent-Child event is open to
golfers of any age (children should
be able to play a 2,100-yard, par-36
course). For more information, contact
Joel Comstock at 952-345-3968.
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2011

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