Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2012 - 40

(punch shots
)
MGANews
InsidetheMGA
Golf 2.0-An Initiative that Just
Might Work
By Tom Ryan
T
he game itself is fine; it's the business
of golf that's in trouble. "
These words from Jim Hyler, former
USGA president, accurately describe the
issue we face as an industry.
The last 10 years have not been great for
the business of golf. Nationally, participation
and rounds played are significantly
down. Green fees are discounted everywhere.
Equipment and apparel sales are
lower as well. Add to that the fact far too
many golf courses were built in the last 20
years and it's not difficult to see why we're
in this position. While Minnesota's participation
and rounds played numbers are
better than the national figures, in general,
the people who make their living from the
game of golf are hurting.
After years of highly touted programs
and initiatives designed to bring new people
into the game, participation continues
to lag. Jack Nicklaus himself said that of
There is finally a true
his 22 grandchildren, only one plays golf
seriously. If the game's greatest player can't
influence his own grandkids to get into the
game, what can we mere mortals possibly
expect from our efforts?
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
" Golf 2.0 " is a research-driven initiative
from the PGA of America that they believe
will actually drive business-related results.
While the long term objectives of the
program include targeting a wide demographic
and gender mix of prospects, the
initial focus will be on those who already
play the game. The goal is to get existing
players to play more and to attract
" lapsed " golfers-golfers who have played
38
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2012
but given it up for some reason-back
into the game.
Now this is an approach that just might
work. Rounds played drive the business,
and going after these two groups makes
more sense than anything I've seen. Of
course, the usual barriers-time, money
and lifestyle changes-still have to be
overcome. While those playing the game
are finding a way to work around and
through them, they are still there. And
because it's likely the lapsed golfer left the
game for some variation of them, those issues
must be addressed.
The objective for golf course operators
will be to address these challenges head on
and provide events, programs and opportunities
designed to bring people back to
their courses and play more golf.
Another huge difference with this iniunderstanding
that real growth
and success happen locally.
tiative is that, for the first time, the PGA
and USGA appear to be teaming up for
real, with a sense of
urgency, allocation
of resources and
spending of marketing
dollars to
go along with the
plan.
Also, there
is finally a true understanding that real
growth and success happen locally, where
the state level organizations can work together
to make change happen. It's going
to take time, a real marketing and operations
plan and financial commitment, but
it's doable.
Remember-the game of golf is healthy
and its appeal remains timeless. While it
may not be the easiest game to learn or
play, there are 26 million passionate golfers
in the United States. If we can find a
way to get these golfers to play a little
more, we just might breathe some life into
the business of golf as well.
See you on the course.
Updates on people, places
and events from the MGA
and its Allied Associations
New Class of Caddie-
Scholars Heading to
the U of M
It was fitting that full tuition and housing
scholarships were awarded to 11
high school senior caddie-scholars, Jan.
11, at The Minikahda Club. After all,
when Chick Evans won the National
Open at Minikahda in 1916, he donated
his winnings to what eventually became
the Evans Scholars Foundation.
Often called " life-changing, "
the
scholarships are awarded by the Western
Golf Association to caddies based
on their caddieing, academic excellence,
financial need and character.
The 2012-2013
Evans Scholars
Zachary Allen, Bearpath G&CC
Laura Cummings, Hazeltine Nat. GC
Benjamin Dahlberg, Edina CC
Cianna Edwards, The Minikahda Club
Joshua Kelley, Northland Country Club
Patrick Krile, Hillcrest GC of St. Paul
(see profile, p. 36)
Michael McCabe, White Bear YC
Parker O'Brien, Bearpath G&CC
Joshua Romportl, Interlachen CC
Samuel Seelos, Northland CC
Corrections
Rick Vanyo, featured in a profile as
the Majestic Oaks GC men's club
champion, was mistakenly identified
in a photo of his son Tony. The
course par for Interlachen CC was
incorrectly listed
as 73 (par is 72 from
the men's tees).
www.mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org
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