Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2012 - 35

(punch shots
)
( The President's Desk
Golf 101:
Fun, affordable,
good for you
By Jim Lehman
R
ecently, I played golf at Deer Run GC in Victoria,
Minn. The course conditions were almost
flawless. The weather was perfect, and
the great experience reminded me how lucky we are to
play this game and enjoy the perks that go along with it.
However, all is not good in the golf industry. We need to
improve the business of golf, which can only get done with
increased player participation.
The USGA and the PGA of America have taken a keen
interest in the effort to promote the game of golf and enhance
player participation. In 2007, there were approximately
30 million active golfers in the
United States, according to the National
Golf Foundation. That number has fallen
to about 26 million. It is estimated
that there are 63 million former golfers
who have expressed an interest in playing
golf again, in addition to an unknown
number of potential new golfers.
How do we get more people into the
game? The PGA of America has established
a new program called " Golf 2.0, "
with the goal being increased player development.
Golf professionals around
the United States and in Minnesota are
committed to getting more people playing
golf.
We all benefit from these
programs because in the end,
our golf clubs need more
player participation.
The Tee it Forward program emphasizes that playing
Their message is very simple: golf is affordable, fun,
welcoming and good for your health.
The player development programs established by the
PGA include Get Golf Ready and Tee it Forward. Both
programs are meant to show that golf is accessible and
fun. These programs are meant to address the concerns
people might have about becoming golfers.
Get Golf Ready is a five-week program that introduces
the game to new golfers and starts at only $99. The PGA
pros will teach these golfers about rules, etiquette and the
basics of golf. While there is some instruction, the emphasis
is more about education rather than the fundamentals
of how to swing the club. The goal is to show people that
golf is not intimidating and is, in fact, accessible.
golf from the forward tees is easier, more fun and takes
less time. This program is designed to retain current golfers
in hopes that we reduce the number of people leaving
the game.
We all benefit from these programs because in the end,
our golf clubs-both public and private-need more
player participation. I believe we can all assist our club
pros by spreading the word. Tell your friends and family
about Get Golf Ready and Tee it Forward and suggest
that they find a PGA pro at a nearby golf course to inquire
about these programs. Golf is a game for all ages, and our
PGA club professionals should be commended for taking
on this great project of growing the game.
www.mngolf.org
Summer 2012 MINNESOTAGOLFER
33
PHOTO BY PAUL MARKERT
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2012

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