“Thrill and Grill,” “Glow Golf Extravaganza” and other popular events have kept the Incline Village Mountain Course that overlooks Lake Tahoe’s north shore in Nevada “very, very busy” throughout its four-month season, according to Head Golf Professional Robyn Bradford.
WSJ Highlights the Struggle to Keep Golfers Coming Back
A report by the National Golf Foundation shows that while the sport is attracting more new players than at any time since the early 2000s, few new golfers are sticking with the game. The NGF found that comfort and competence primarily drive retention, and puts the onus on golf properties to offer the facilities and programs that keep golfers interested in the long haul.
One Golfer, and Club, at a Time
A variety of properties have initiated innovative, ongoing programs to successfully draw in new players from beyond golf’s traditional demographic profiles.
Minnesota Golf Courses Adjust to Appeal to Next Generation
In response to the concerns prospective golfers have about the game, Deer Run GC in Victoria incorporates daily rates instead of dues, offers craft beer and whiskeys, and encourages speedier play with “FastPlayFriday.”
2014 PGA National Award Recipients Announced
Idle Hour Club’s Ray Cutright (Golf Professional of the Year) and Merion Golf Club’s Scott Nye (Merchandiser of the Year, Private Facilities) will be among those honored in November at the PGA Annual Meeting.
Troon’s Player Development Month Marks Third Year
Throughout the month of May, Troon daily-fee facilities, private clubs, and Troon Golf Academies will conduct more than 500 introductory golf clinics and activities. To make the clinics accessible to as many people as possible, participation in most events costs $20 for adults, while juniors 17 years of age and younger are free.
The PGA of America Announces Partnership with NBC
The partnership, which seeks to raise the profile of the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship, and PGA Professionals across the networks of NBC, begins in 2015 and extends through 2030. The agreement also includes all-language and simultaneous streaming rights for NBC’s Ryder Cup coverage, which the network has televised since 1991.
Billy Casper Golf Expands Player Development Programs, Adds Two Courses
BCG is now expanding the “Get Golf Ready” program and launching “Golf Fore Women,” an adaptation of Get Golf Ready, but exclusively for women.
Billy Casper Golf Launches ‘Get Golf Ready’ Program Nationwide
Through “Get Golf Ready,” BCG targets adults who have never played golf, have minimal previous connection to the game or need rejuvenation after a hiatus.
SouthWood GC to Host “Get Golf Ready” Group Lesson Program
SouthWood Golf Club—located in Tallahassee, Fla. and managed by Billy Casper Golf—will host “Get Golf Ready,” the nationally branded program created and administered by the World Golf Foundation. “Get Golf Ready” targets millions of U.S. adults who have never played golf, have minimal previous connection to the game or need rejuvenation after a hiatus. Designed…