Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2018 - 27

son
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I
I would like to
thank you for
electing me and
supporting me in
my role as your
president.
-Barb Hanson
Play Hard, Play Happy
and Keep On Walking!
* BY BARB HANSON *
'm a fi rm believer that walking is an integral part of the game, and whenever
given the choice to walk or ride, I will always walk. That, in a nutshell, is the
USGA Walking Member Creed and it aligns well with my personal beliefs.
Aside from the health benefi ts, walking is an important part of my golf identity.
Sadly, I have found that more and more, I am being " given the choice " to walk
as though it were a special dispensation. I understand that some golf courses have
been specifi cally designed for motorized carts, and I also know that the use of
motorized carts is a signifi cant source of revenue. But I am concerned that we are
headed toward a time when walking will be obsolete.
Interestingly, the USGA has embarked on a signifi cant long-term project to study
golfer experience, including the " mode of the journey around the course. " Not surprisingly,
in the minds of most operators, the role that walking or riding plays in
the golfer experience is secondary to the revenue that carts provide. But, could the
option to walk have a benefi cial impact on their bottom line? The USGA hopes to
answer that question and more, so that facility managers can make better-informed
decisions that improve both their productivity and the golfer experience.
Walking is a big part of my golfer experience for three reasons:
I believe that golf is a walking game and was founded as such.
I believe that walking provides signifi cant health benefi ts.
I believe that I am more engaged in and focused on my game when I walk.
This summer I had the opportunity to play Superior National Golf Course in
Lutsen and saw a " golf bike. " Next time, I will try out this novel mode of transportation
and see if it enhances my golfer experience!
In conclusion, I would like to thank you for electing me and supporting me in my
role as your president. It has been my great honor to serve in this way. And it was my
good fortune to become president at a time when our women's organizations were
becoming one with the MGA. I have tried to raise awareness of women's history,
needs, habits and reservations as we became a united golf association. Our success
in this endeavor has been noticed nationwide and continues
to be a model for other state associations, and I am proud of
our accomplishment.
I can't conclude my last article without giving special
acclaim to the very talented, experienced and supportive
staff and volunteers at the MGA. I have loved working
with you all! Keep up the good work on behalf of ALL
Minnesota golfers.
See you on the tee!
Hanson, along with three MGA staffers, recently golfed
and walked 100 holes at Inver Wood GC's executive
nine-hole course.
mngolf.org
Fall 2018 MINNESOTAGOLFER
27

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Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2018

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