I challenge YOU!

     I know most of you that read my blog are golfers.  That is great because we speak the same language, no matter what country we live in or where we play golf. How many non-golfers read my blog?  I don't say that is a problem, but I am reaching a captive audience. That is OK.
     My problem is this. How can this blog be effective in growing the game of golf when it is only reaching golfers?  I don't mind writing with those who play golf in mind and writing for that audience.  However, when you are a proponent of growing the game of golf what good is a blog when you are reaching only those who are playing? I value you the golfer as my audience but how does that grow the game? I will continue to write this blog focused on golfers, but what are we going to do for non-golfers? How are we going to grow the game as golfers?
     Golfers, I challenge YOU!  I challenge you to invite at least two of your non-golfing friends either to the course or to the range to hit balls. Let's get a club into their hands. Heck, let's eve get them to play miniature golf.  That is a lot of fun as well and kind of paves the way for the real thing. It is important that the best way to bring people to any sport is by friends inviting them.  We must do that, and we can't give that job to the local golf pro.  As I said, the present day golf pro is too busy running the business end of their golf course or range.
   I CHALLENGE YOU!

Let's introduce friends to the game of golf, even if they don't play.

This One's On Us

     I love FaceBook. It is a great way to communicate with others that have similar likes and tastes.  No pun intended by the way, but its true. However many of us have "Friends" that only are "Freinds" because of a certain common activity or interest. I am not saying that is bad, in fact it is a good thing. But FaceBook also brings us together.  We all have "Friends"  who we have diverse interests. This is also true in life itself. We share our differences, which makes life interesting. How many of you share the game of golf with friends who do not play golf?
     As you probably know, I share the game a lot on FaceBook and through other social media sites such as Twitter. I write my posts and put them up on Twitter and FaceBook for my "Friends" to see and read.  That's a great thing and I appreciate those of you who read what I write and post. However, I got to thinking the yesterday about who my audience is. I have to say, most of my audience are golfers.  In effect, I am sort of preaching to the choir--I love that cliche.  Most of you who are reading this are golfers or have played golf. Believe me, I don't want you to stop playing golf or reading this but we need to start thinking about how we are going to bring the game we know and love to our friends who don't play golf.  Its up to us to grow the game. This one is on us.
     You may be thinking isn't that the golf pro's job.  You probably would be correct in saying that it is. It is their job, however not their only one and that job has become less and less important to golf course operators. Unfortunately what has happened is that the pro has become a retailer and salesman not directly selling the game itself. Their focus has become the golf playing community. Their "circle" has become narrowed to only those who play golf.
     Reaching out to the non-golfing community to grow the game has become low on most pro's priority list. Their jobs have drifted due to the nature of the golf business itself from ambassadors of the game whose job it is to grow and teach the game to retailer of golf products and services.  Most pros have abandoned goals to grow the game in favor of turning a profit for the golf course or facility. I am not criticizing golf pros as most pros work very hard, it is just the way it is like a lot of things in this world. The almighty dollar is king and the "bottom line" makes the world go around.
     It is up to us, ladies and gentlemen who play golf and consider themselves golfers.  Like a lot of things, we "lay" people have become more import than ever in growing the game. We have to be the main instruments to growing the game. Our role of "Golf Abassadors" has become more important than ever since the energy that pros can give to that part of their jobs is declining. They simply do not have the time with all the duties that have been placed on them by the very nature of the golf industry. It is time for us and players to reach out to those who do not play. It has to come from us otherwise the game will continue to suffer a decline in those who play.

The bench awaits new players to the game. You can help get them playing.

Grow The Game--Just a Thought

    I am not a golf pro, and I don't play one on TV.  However, I do know many pros. As I have stated in many of my posts there are many attitudes that have to change in this great game of ours. One of the attitudes is the exact nature and duties of the club professional. It was my intention to write a post on this, but I think this post on FaceBook by Brad Patterson pretty much sums it up. I know it is pretty technical, but I think you may enjoy it.

Psychology Shift 101. Would you send it?

Mr Mark Jones
Golf Committee Chairman
XYZ Golf Club
123 Golf Lane
Utopia, USA 99999

Dear Mr. Jones,

Allow me to join in your current enthusiasm as you embark on the journey of finding and placing a new Head Golf Professional. Such an honor on your part means you'll be placing the most integral component of your golf program in place for many years to come. However, the requirements of the individual you're seeking might be a bit skewed. Allow me to help you correct the mistakes I see as a veteran industry professional.

As the PGA celebrates its 100th anniversary this year we're all reminded of the pro's first stated mission on that first day a century ago; to grow the game of golf. As I look at the list of "Required Skills" you've put before us in the individual you seek, you cite having considered background in tournament operations, merchandising, supervision of staff, business plans, and playing golf with all the members, and representing the club in area and national tournaments. Quite frankly, these are adequate skills required of a shop assistant or a non industry professional. Not a single one of these skills places an emphasis on growing participants in the game of golf. Further evidence confirming a non growth environment comes in your current membership being 60% below industry average and rounds played 70% below industry average.

As presented, you suggest your ideal candidate should expect to see revenues from golf instruction of 10% of their salary. Herein lies a major problem. Growth of the game of golf starts at the practice tee and works backwards to make the entire facility flourish. What you are actually in need of is a Director of Golfer Development or Player Development. As such, this individual will have a proven track record of creating new and inviting programs that excite people from every walk of life to run to your facility. A proven record of 30-50 times the cost of one golf lesson in new incremental facility revenue created. A record of creating one new member or family membership for every 5-10 lessons given. A simple approach to instruction that stimulates an average of 100%-200% referral rates for every class or clinic given. A welcoming environment for ALL golfers; men, women, juniors, leagues, military, veterans, businesses, and current members.

For too many years the golf business has seen the golf professional become a prisoner of the golf shop or a back room and as a result, golf's overall numbers are suffering; why your current numbers are languishing. Success comes in the form of change of approach and placing a superior individual where they can create true growth. Golf is the game of a lifetime. Yet, your requirements make no reference to making golf a lifetime sport at your facility. Do you realize even one open tee time means growth of the game is not being maximized at your club?

I would recommend you put in place an individual focused on providing this correct growth metric for the game of golf and XYZ Club. An individual that provides simple instruction that has people hitting their best in a few minutes or can have a new golfer hitting it beautifully inside 30 minutes. An individual that becomes friend and life coach to every junior golfer. An individual that realizes the game's greatest growth metric going forward comes from introducing golf to women and developing more exciting opportunities for them. An individual who realizes his/her employees are just as crucial to golf's growth going forward and mentors them also from the lesson tee backward to the pro shop.

Please do keep me apprised when this position as I've outlined becomes available at XYZ Club. I feel more than qualified to make these goals a reality for you and for the game of golf as a whole.

Regards,

John Smith
Top 50 Growth of the Game Golf Pros in the US

     Being just an average golfer Brad, yes I would send it. We need to grow the game of golf.  Yes the pro shop and course need to be profitable but that can't happen if people are not on the course or don't visit the course. A good percentage of those coming to the course have to be new players.  We need to bring new players to the game. 

     Thank you Brad for that article.  

Growing the game is more than what goes on in the pro shop.

Let's Bring 'Em In

     In order to grow the game of golf, we have to bring in new golfers.  It is just that simple. But what is a "new" golfer. I am not talking about those who have tried the game and left it for any of a thousands reasons. A new golfer is someone who has never touched a club and wants to start playing our wonderful game.  Bringing those who have left the game back is certainly important, but we need the new blood of those who have never played. How do we get bring them out to learn and enjoy the game.
     I think the first way we do that is to invite them.  Why not ask them out to the course for lunch or some other very simple event.  Let them get surrounded by the atmosphere of the course.  This is very important because as we golfers know, golf is more than just the game itself. The social aspect of the game is what brings many players to it, not only during the round but before and after it as well.
     We must welcome "new" people to the game. What is your attitude toward a "new" golfer.  Is your attitude "Oh crap, a new golfer. Just what we need, a newbie that is going to hold up play." Do your facial expressions and attitude send out vibes to the new golfer of "This is my territory and you are invading it"? How would you feel if you went to a place where it seemed you were not welcomed. Would you come back?  I don't think so.
     How about a smile, warm handshake and a "Welcome to the course, I am glad you are here" to the new golfer. Let's keep in mind that this person is keeping our game alive.  We should be very encouraging and accepting, not turn them away because they are invading our sanctuary. They are the future of the game. To bring it down to to the player level, if they are playing at your course they are helping to keep your course open.  Is that simple enough?
    Why not bend over backward to make the new golfer comfortable. We can start by holding events that encourage the new golfer such as new golfer scrambles, where new golfers are pared with experienced golfers in a scramble format. That way, you remove the angst that they have when they are on the course. What about setting up a "mentor golfer"program where an experienced golfer pairs up with a new golfer for a round or two. Rules can be modified to make the experience more enjoyable for both. Score would not be an issue, in fact why keep score.  Make sure that both golfers know that this is a learning experience and not a competitive one.
    Let's get more people into the game of golf. It may be as simple as a one on one invitation.

I want to welcome you new golfer to the first tee, the beginning of a great new relationship with the greatest game.  

   

Lessons? Me? Part 3

     Change comes very hard for me. I can give you a couple of examples as I am sitting here. I am out of coffee, but I need a caffeine fix so I made myself a cup of tea. Its not that I don't like tea as a billion or more people in this world prefer tea over coffee. I just prefer a cup or two of "joe" in the morning and I do like tea but rarely make myself a cup. Change can be good in many cases, but for me it is difficult.
    This weekend we had the Career Builder Challenge played in Palm Desert California.  As many of you pure golfers know, this used to be The Bob Hope Desert Classic.  I refuse to call it anything else than that. Who is the sponsor for The Andy Williams San Diego Open played at Torrey Pines?  What about The Sammy David Jr. Los Angeles Open and Bing Crosby's name is no longer firmly attached to the four day tournament at Pebble Beach. I guess I am just set in my ways, and getting more so as I get older.
     I have asked this question in the two posts before this one. I don't know that the answers that I gave were entirely truthful. There is one basic reason I don't take a lesson.  I am afraid to change. Any changes I make will effect my game and I am not sure I want to go through that experience. Can't you just leave me alone and let me play golf? I am OK with shooting in the high 80's to low 90's.
     In all teaching there is something called the learning curve.  While learning something new, your performance suffers until you have mastered that skill.  For most that curve is about thirty to sixty days.  It also translates into about twelve rounds of golf.  Do I really want to devote twelve or more rounds of golf to something new which I really don't know is going to lower my score.  Not only that, I paid for that change that will cause a lot of frustration.  That change will probably not become part of me anyway because I won't  stay with it through the learning curve. In my case, I don't want to put up with the hassle.
     Yes, I probably need to make some changes in my golf game.  Do I need a lesson.  Maybe I do and take advantage of the opportunity to visit a knowledgeable professional. I probably should and they can more than likely makes some changes that will improve my game. But, what if it really causes frustration and problems?  What happens then? Do I give up whatever frustrations I have in my game now for new frustrations that may never help my game in the first place?  Do I sacrifice the time and enjoyment I have playing golf now for a period of frustration and failure?  I am not going to do that.  I am too old for that.  This logic is probably flawed, but it is where I am at right now. I am getting older and my time on this Earth is getting shorter. I want to make the best of it when I play golf and have fun.  Besides, a certain frustration in this game is great, especially when you make that birdie putt.
     I do know a lot about this game.  As I have said in earlier posts my short game is very good. Within 100 yards I am deadly and my putting is great. If I see some minor thing that I am not doing, I try it. Normally, it doesn't take much and if I am doing something wrong, I just go back to what I was doing right and take inventory on whether or not I am still doing it or if I am doing something I shouldn't be. It always seems to work out.
      My goal today and in this series is to give a better understanding of why I choose not to take a lesson. I hope those of you who give lessons know that I am definitely NOT against lessons. I just have my reasons why I don't take lessons. Please, if you need a lesson, a professional can help.
     I have to run now. That cup of tea was terrible. Sorry all you tea drinkers out there. I am on my way to buy some coffee. It won't take long to brew a cup.
I have the Bob Hope Desert Classic--uh, excuse me, The Career Builder Challenge--recorded and it is time to pull up in my recliner with a steaming hot cup of coffee and watch it.

Of course, everything is better on a cruise ship.

     

Lessons? Me? Part 2

     So why don't I take a lesson?  I know that they are important and if you are sick you see a doctor, right? I could say something about the present state of the medical industry here in the US, but this is not a political blog and that would be going off the subject.  I've been know to stray off the subject a bit, but on this I will keep on the subject of why I don't take a lesson.
    Remember that time, cost and commitment issue that I brought up in my post about why the average golfer isn't getting better?  I have a confession to make.  I was talking directly about myself.  I am a student of the game and know a lot about the game as well as how to play it.  That includes how to swing a club.  I am a great putter and short game artist. My scores do go down when I play a lot. My big problem is that I don't play a lot anymore. That's a shame, isn't it?
    So why DON'T I take a lesson?  I really haven't answered that question yet, have I? It is very simple, really and I take responsibility for the reason. I don't want to spend the time--I just want to go out and play golf.  I don't want to spend the money--the $65 or whatever the rate is for a lesson, I just want to go out and play. Finally, I don't have the commitment to making a change--I just want to go out and play a round of golf. That about sums it all up for me. I can't speak for all golfers who are in the "Average Golfer" family and I am sure that every "Average Golfer" has their reasons. Those are my particular reasons.
     When I go out to the golf course, I have one thing in mind.  I want to get out on the course and play golf. The game takes up a lot of time as it is.  I don't want to take the time to take a lesson.  The driving range is sort of a lost cause because I want to save my back for the shots on the course. My pre-round routine may include hitting some putts on the practice green and some chips around the green, but that's it. I am not in the best of physical shape and my back is suspect at best. Working out at the gym does me a lot more good than taking a lesson and beating the ball to death and trying to make changes in my swing. Let's get out there and play some golf.
     As a matter of fact, I don't play much golf now anyway.  That is because I don't have the cash right now. Since my wife plays and that's a good thing, the cost of golf has doubled for me as well. I can't leave her at home because the doghouse is neither heated nor air conditioned.She doesn't always go out to the course with me but if I can't pay two green fees, I am certainly not going to invest $65 in a lesson. Something has got to give, and it is not going to be the round of golf. To be sure, it will be the $65 lesson.
     I am afraid that I suffer from a lack of commitment when it comes to improving my golf game. Do you remember the Madonna song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"? well, that's me with regards to my golf game.  I just want to have fun, and if that means playing the game I have, so be it.
     It probably can be said that if I improved my game, I would enjoy it better. As far as my game is concerned that is true. However, when I play a lot I do get better and my scores go down. The doubles turn to bogies and the pars turn to birdies. That is just the way my game is.  I am a "feel" player and I lose that feel when I don't play. Right now I am not committed to playing a lot so my game suffers. I will play more soon though and I will keep you posted on how my game is doing.
     I am not saying that you shouldn't take a lesson or two, far from that. I highly recommend that you take lessons from a PGA professional and that you find one that you are comfortable with and can learn from. What I am saying is that I don't, but maybe I should take my own advice. My logic on this one is probably flawed, but I am going to keep on playing.

I must admit that it is good to see your swing and what you are doing. I lost 70 pounds and started to work out in the gym and that helped my game.

Lessons? Me? Part 1

     I have noticed in social media, FaceBook in particular, there is a huge debate about golfers and why they are choosing to not take lessons from professionals.  There are many theories that have been brought forth by the experts, mostly PGA professional. Has anyone really gone out and asked those of us that play the game?  Why are Joe and Joanne Average not taking lessons?
     Being a member of the "Joe and Joanne Average" family, I would like to comment on that. Believe me, there is no sinister plot to put golf pros out of business. This is not a movement where the masses rise up with their wedges angrily waving in the air chanting "No Mas" to the golfing establishment. Nothing could be further from the truth.  The answer to the question comes through the average golfer themselves, where they are with the game and their attitudes toward the game. How important is it to the average golfer to devote true effort to improving their game or is it that important?
     Having said that--I hope you don't get mad at me Mark, Fred, Rich and Brad--Taking a lesson is not that important in the overall scheme of the average golfer's playing the game or at least that is how many golfers feel..  What is important is the playing of the game itself. I think that the average golfer goes out to have fun in all aspects of the game, whether it be social or the actual playing of the game itself.  We know that we can improve our game, but that is only a piece of the puzzle.
      Golf is a game where you can never be perfect. That is one of the beauties of the game. From one round to the next, you never know what to expect.  I have even said it many times, "I wonder which of my games is going to show up today?" Either the round is a good one or I play terribly.  The club just doesn't seem to want to strike the ball the way it is supposed to and that same ball is terrified of that short drop into the hole. Guess what though.  I will be back next time to try it again.
     Yes, it has been a very long time since I have taken a lesson.  The lesson I did take was not a scheduled one either. There is a story about that and I won't share it here.  At any rate, I don't take lessons as I probably should. Tomorrow I will talk about why.

See, I do take a lesson every once and awhile.

Just Average and Having Fun--Part 3

     You will probably be happy about this one. This will be the final installment on this series of posts on Just Average and Having Fun.  When you boil it all down though, I am just an average golfer.  I love golf.  It is just that simple and when I play, watch, write or even talk about golf I am having a lot of fun. The game to me is just that way.  I again ask the question why am I not getting better?
     Yes, I have done some deep soul searching and for me it all boils down to three things--time, commitment and cost.  I am sure that these three issues confront all golfers, especially those who want to improve. Once again though, a conscious decision has to be made to attack them and you have to ask how important they are to conquer. In my case, here is what I came up with.
     I am a retired teacher, so you would think that time would not be an issue.  I have found that when you retire, there are still many demands on your time. Yes, I don't get up in the morning to get ready to go teach my class because that stage in my life is past.  However, new demands for my time have arisen.  My wife still works so I do much of the work around the house. I also help with our grandchild.  We have chosen to have only one car at this point so my wife uses the car most of the time to go to work and back. When I have access to the car, it is usually to run errands she can't because she is at work. All this not to mention trying to create the "Golf Is For Everyone" brand working on the website, FaceBook page and blog. Time just seems to melt away. I though that I would be spending more time on the golf course, but that as of yet has not happened.
     Cost is a big factor for me. When I was playing a lot I was a member of a local semiprivate golf course. I had a family membership and my family could play as well. Unfortunately, life circumstances kind of got in the way and that all changed. I retired from teaching, divorced, remarried and moved away from the town I was living in.  My wife plays golf as well, and that is a good thing but now instead of just walking on the course because I was paying a monthly fee for playing I have to pay green fees for both my wife and I. We could get an inexpensive membership, but that is not financially realistic for us.
    New equipment has its costs as well. I have been playing the same set of clubs now for about five years.  Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe it is the player and not the clubs. I am not one to change clubs often.  I also have had the same putter for more than ten years.  I have tried other putters, but I love mine. What can I say. Balls are expensive as well, with ProV's or other premium balls running at around $40 a dozen.
     My commitment to play has sort of waned in the past couple of years.  I have gone from playing up to four times a week to playing just one time in maybe three months. Its not that I don't want to play, things just seem to get in the way. It is a lot harder now and I am less inclined to clear the decks to play golf.  This would probably improve if we had a second car and my health has been an issue but for now I have to be content with playing less frequently. I don't mind that and I am having no withdrawal symptoms. I want to play, but that burning desire to get our on the course and play isn't as strong.
     I love golf.  Don't get me wrong and I think that that desire to play will return. As the weather gets better I'm sure that the flames of desire to play will be fanned.  I enjoy all aspects about the game including writing and talking about it. Right now, it just isn't the priority that it used to be.  

I do miss playing.

Just Average And Having Fun--Part 2

     As an average golfer I often ask myself why I am not getting better at golf. Depending on who you talk to and what you read in a lot of publications, this is a very hot topic. The bottom line is that golfers are not getting better, but yet most golfers truly enjoy playing the game. That is a very curious contrast.
     When you play the game of golf in my opinion the objectives are two fold. First, you play the game to the best of your abilities at the time. The second objective is I think even more important than the first.  That is TO HAVE FUN!  I think we have definitely lost sight of the second objective in pursuit of the first. We have to remember that it is a game, and that game should be enjoyed.  It should be an enjoyable experience no matter how good or bad we play.  There is always that shot that brings us back and makes us feel on top of the world, no matter how we putted or how many balls we put in the lake.
     I am not getting better at golf. There is only once place to set the blame and that is on me. How do I feel about that?  I want to tell you that I don't lay awake at night thinking about it. That worry is down there with wondering about when trash night is. What is important is that when I go out to play golf, I know I will have a great time. I keep that in perspective.  Yes, during a round I get frustrated and sometimes angry.  Those emotions soon vanish after I hit that one good shot or sink that fifty footer for birdie.
      It probably could be said that if I paid a bit more attention to my game there would be more of those great shots and sunk putts.  That is probably so, but I am not at that point yet. I have to agree that is true, but not right now.  I will have more to say about this in tomorrow's post. What I do want you to know though is I am having fun, no matter the state of my game. Golf is a lot of fun.
     Don't forget our FaceBook page at http://facebook.com/golfisforeveryone.  Please stop by and give us a "like".  Our commitment is to grow the game of golf.  Take a look at our website as well at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. Make sure and have fun when you play golf!

Let's have some fun playing golf, shall we?

Just Average And Having Fun--Part 1

     I consider myself an average golfer.  I used to carry an 18 index and my handicap which hovered in and around the 18 level. I would play once a week and when I would play more, my index would go down to somewhere around 15. This was true because I was playing more. My scores would go from a low of around 85 to a high of 100 on a bad day. Each time I went out I had a great time, even though I would have to look back on the round to discover this. During the round I encountered a range of emotions, from the ecstasy of making birdie to the deep depression of hitting the ball in the lake three times.  The bottom line is, I was having fun!
      According to most teaching pros, the average score for the average golfer is 100 and their handicap index is somewhere in the twenties. Even if you look at the very fact that equipment technology in balls and clubs are concerned, that index may have improved by no more than a point or two. I realize that there are explanations behind that such as there are more golfers playing and such, but that improvement number should be higher. Why isn't it?
      What about you?  Why aren't you getting better at golf?  I would also ask the question to you of how important is that to you?  What are your motivations for playing golf?  I know that my motivation to play the game is to have fun.  Is that your motivation?  Yes, the game can be frustrating, but it is also a lot of fun and frustration and challenge are part of the game. It is extremely important to focus on what you love about the game.  Remember to put it all in perspective.  It is a game.
       I will have more on this in Part 2 tomorrow.  In the meantime, check out our web page at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.  It is a work in progress, but is coming along nicely. Our YouTube page is up and running with more submissions coming in.  We are excited about golf and Golf Is For Everyone.  Let's have some fun playing golf!

Let's play golf and have some fun, shall we?

   
   

Are We Having Fun Yet?

     So, I'm confused. What am I supposed to be doing when I play golf?  Am I supposed to be thinking that I should score better?  Should I be thinking about how far I hit my driver or five iron?  How about this big one, do I spin my wedges.  Oh, and what about which ball I should be playing.  Should I take a lesson or not?  That opens a great big can of worms itself.
     There is one thing that a lot of us have lost sight of. This game, no matter how well we play it is a lot of fun.  How about we put aside all the complexities of the game and all the discussion and just go out and play. Let's go out to the course, simply enjoy the game and have some fun no matter how well we play. Why is that so difficult?
     Golf is like art.  I enjoy looking at a great masterpiece, the product of an artists work. It is meant to be enjoyed for what it is.  Here's what happens.  Experts come along and dissect the merits of the piece almost to the point where a warm, living piece of art becomes cold and technical. That is a shame, because the piece probably was created with the artist's feelings and eye, not by cold technique.  Technique probably played a role, but to concentrate on technique totally misses the point of the art.
     Golf is also like that.  Golf is a work of art that is created by the player. Yes, there is some technique involved but the experience is unique to the golfer. As golfers, our golfing experiences are similar but each golfer experiences the game in their own unique way. It is the golf that is important--the playing of the game and the enjoyment of playing it--not the technique.  Technique is part of the game and has its own beauty, but that's not all there is to the game.
     I have had my coffee so it is time to post this.  Thank you for waiting.  Take a look at our website at Golf Is For Everyone;  http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.  As I said, we have great plans for it. Make sure you invite someone to play golf with you and most importantly, have fun.

Come on, let's have some fun.  The first tee is waiting for us. 

With a Gentle Plop And Roar Of The Crowd Vs. Hit 'Em Hard And Hurt 'Em

     Congratulations Jordan Spieth for your win at the Tournament Of Champions at Kapalua, Hawaii.  You conducted yourself as a true sportsman and champion  Be proud of yourself as I am sure your family is. The way you handled yourself, your attitude toward the game and your outlook on life is truly a high example that shines like a lighthouse on a rocky coastal point in a foggy night. You are a great role model and this is only the beginning of a stellar career.
     What a weekend this was as far as contrast in the sports world.  This weekend was the NFL Wild Card Playoff weekend with some well played and interesting games. Of course, it was also the weekend of the Tournament of Champions Golf Tournament held at Kapalua, Hawaii. What a difference between two sports of which I both enjoy. The game I watched on TV from Cincinnati was not exactly sport and was in very high contrast to Jordan Spieth's win at Kapalua.
     Football is a sport of honor and drama that is played out in a violent and physical way. I have to admit that to indict all of football for what happened Saturday night in Cincinnati would not be fair. All of football is not like that and there is still sportsmanship and honor in the game  What happened in the Bengal's game however mirrored much of what is wrong in our society today. It kind of mirrors what can be called the "entitlement" attitude and the idea that if I get what I want, its OK.  Football is a rough sport and winning IS everything.  I get that, but don't try to physically hurt someone to try to attain that goal. Playing within the rules and winning is far more satisfying than cheating or playing dirty. By the way, who won the game in Cincinnati? In fact, that dirty play lost the Bengal's the game.
     Golf is very different. In fact, I would stick my neck out and say it is the last true sport.  This is a bit of a cliche I know but I am going to say it.  What other sport totally depends on the integrity of the player and calls for that player to call a penalty on themselves? I didn't see that in the Bengal's game. I have called penalties on myself during a tournament round of golf, a penalty that nobody saw but myself. Its hard, but it is part of the game. I didn't blame the official either.
      You didn't see any cheap or late hits at Kapalua. Yes, I know that golf is not a contact sport most of the time. You did see some good natured fun like the practical joke war going on between Ricky Fowler and Danny Lee. Neither of them took a shoulder and put an illegal hit on the other, even though the jokes that they played on each other were pretty hysterical. I know there is trash talk in golf, but at least you don't see it on camera between competitors, and players complement each other for great shots.
      Congratulations again Mr. Spieth. You are truly a sportsman and gentleman. You did it right in a game that is the greatest.

I actually got to play in this.  What an experience.

Golf Is Not Dead!

      I get upset with those who claim that golf is dead.  It is not dead, just suffering from some bad press. The game is beginning to grow again. I want to share with you this interview that Rich O'Brien had with three golf experts. Thank you once again for a great article Rich.  As you will notice as you read, golf is not dead.
      Here's Rich's article.

The Economics of Golf

A Classic Case of Oversupply

For my Grow the Game Series I recently interviewed Rand Jerris, the Senior Managing Director for Public Services for the USGA,  Jay Karen, the new CEO  of the National Golf Course Owners Association and Derek Sprague of the President of PGA of America. Together we discussed the economic conditions influencing the growth and future of the game of golf.  

What message would you like to give to golfers about the current health of the game as it relates to economics?

Rand Jerris: The most important thing is that the game continues to be very strong in this country.  Certainly there has been some negative headlines that we have all read over the last 12 months, but I think those stories have relied on data points that tell an incomplete story.   

Historical data tells us that for the past 30 years we have been in a protracted period of growth in America, during which participation has been rising.  We have a core of 20 million avid golfers in this country and participation has been extremely stable. Golfers who are passionate about golf will tell you what an amazing sport it is and how much it enriches their lives.

Jay Karen: The golf course owners and golf’s governing bodies have begun listening to golfers more attentively than we ever have in the past.  The golf industry is absolutely committed to finding ways to strengthen the game and continuously improve the golfer experience whether the player is a beginner or someone that has played the game for 40 years.  

Derek Sprague: We closely watch golf facility performance in measuring the health of the game. Through September, golf rounds played at golf courses in the United States were up 2 percent over the same period in 2014. Golf facilities are also reporting growth in key revenues, ranging from a more than one percent increase in golf fee revenues to a greater than four percent increase in golf merchandise sales, and food and beverage revenues. These are all a positive reflection of growth in the game.

Overall, golf participation has stabilized today, with an estimated 25 million people playing the game nationwide. As player development programs continue to take root across America’s golf facilities and serve more diverse audiences, golf participation will further improve. That’s why one of the other indicators we track is general appeal.  In 2014, two million people tried golf for the first time, more than any year since 2002. Meanwhile, youth golf participation (ages 6 to 17) grew by 29 percent, from 2.4 million in 2011 to 3.2 million in 2014. Girls now account for 28 percent of all youth golfers in the U.S., up from 20 percent in 2007.

Please explain how the negative headlines tells an incomplete story?

Rand Jerris: Many of the negative headlines in recent years have focused on course closures.  The reality of the situation is that over the past 20 years we got into a classic situation of oversupply.  We simply built too many courses for the demand.  As a result, we are currently going through a period of healthy correction which has seen about 600 courses closed.  This trend will continue until the balance of supply and demand is restored.

Once this balance is restored, there will be some ancillary benefits that result from it.  Namely, as weaker courses close, the overall quality of the surviving courses will improve. Secondly, some private courses are opening their doors and, as a result, there will be a higher percentage of public golf courses than ever before and the game will be more accessible to anyone that wants to play the game.

Jay Karen: I think it is important to note the contributing factors that lead to oversupply.  Industry analysts in the early 1990’s suggested that one golf course needed to be built every day to keep up with demand.  At about that time, housing developers began building golf courses as an amenity for high end real estate developments to sell higher priced homes.  Then in the late 1990’s the industry hoped that the Tiger Woods effect would create a ground swell of new golfers that would allow demand to keep up with the supply of new golf courses being built.  In retrospect, the number of new players entering the game has not kept pace with the number of new courses coming on line.  That is why the current correction is not an existential matter. It's supply and demand getting into a better balance.

Derek Sprague: Golf participation (defined as an individual playing one or more rounds of golf in a given year) in the United States reached its peak in 2003, with an estimated 30 million people playing the game. During this time, a number of factors led to the growth of “fringe” or casual participants including: tremendous exposure of the game, with Tiger Woods at the forefront; visible expansion of golf real estate development; the promotion of the golf lifestyle; and a rise in net worth, thanks to housing values and the stock market. This all changed in 2006 and 2007, as the housing bubble burst, and the Great Recession eventually took hold, which lead to significant declines in net worth. Those who were fringe participants, left the game.

During this transition period, the golf industry came together to identify new ways to not only grow participation, but expand the number of committed golfers, who are not fringe players, into the sport from a trial perspective. Utilizing their direct connection with consumers, PGA Professionals took the lead in a number of player development initiatives. Two of our leading industry programs not only focus on introducing people to golf, they look beyond traditional participation to grow the next generation of players. Get Golf Ready is an affordably priced introductory series of golf lessons that takes place on and off the course. In 2014, this program attracted 99,000 students, 62 percent of which were female, while 21 percent were minorities. Impressively, 86 percent of those participating in Get Golf Ready last year continued on with the game after the program. Additionally, PGA Junior League Golf takes an innovative approach to youth golf, as boys and girls ages 13 and under of all abilities play on teams with numbered jerseys. Since the launch of this program in 2012, participation has grown from 123 teams and 1,500 kids to 2,500 teams and 30,000 boys and girls in 2015.

Rich O'Brien   Golf Writer, Adaptive Golf Instructor, Coach, former Disabled Golfer, p: Skype: obgolfer4 m: 843-826-0837 s: www.golfisforeveryonemd.com e: richobriengolf@gmail.com

         I have been saying this very thing for a while now.  Roy Kinsela said it best in Field Of Dreams, "If you build them, they will come."   That's very true, but if you build too many of them too fast, or too expensive they won't come.  Too many courses were built and too fast.  These courses were built around mostly real estate developments and the property market bubble burst. The economy tanked.  All of this contributed to the downturn in play.  But, golf is coming back.  Thanks Rich for this article.

The game keeps rolling along.

Pace Of Play Idea

     Here is something to think about as far as improving the pace of play.  Thank you Rich O'brien for sharing this with us.

One of the Most Important Factors in the Golfer Experience is Pace of Play

The next interview in the Grow the Game Initiative series was with Rand Jerris, the Senior Managing Director of Public Services for Public Services for the United States Golf Association. He oversees many of the key functions of the USGA including facilities management, Green Section, philanthropy and grants, strategic and operational planning, and the USGA Museum.  I was very impressed with the depth and breadth of his knowledge about a variety of golf topics.

What is the USGA doing to improve the pace of  play?

Research showed that pace of play is an important factor not only in people’s enjoyment of the game, but also in influencing the more fundamental decision of whether or not to play golf. We realized as a governing body that we had the responsibility of taking this issue head on. It is not like pace of play is a new issue; it has been an issue for as long as the game has been played.  The problem was that there was no real research with any academic rigor had ever been done.   What we found was a lot of anecdotes and subjectivity about what were the causes of slow play and what the potential solutions are. For many years when we talked about this issue, the phrase we used was “slow play” and by framing it that way we blamed the golfer.  

When we started to apply engineering principles or mathematical principles, we realized that in order to enable fewer delays and shorter rounds, the decisions that are made in the design, maintenance and management of the golf course are as important as the role of the player.  When we went through this process of creating the mathematical model around pace of play, what came out of that was that there are three variables you need to control.  One of the most important variables is cycle time. It is defined as the amount of time between each group of golfers to complete the hole. We are working on creating a technology solution, known as the Flagstick Tool, which can precisely measure when the flagstick comes out of the hole and goes back into the hole. The flagstick then transmits data to a central location where one operator can monitor the flow of play around the course in real-time. With this tool, we can start to see delays on the course and proactively get out to that location and manage the situation before it develops into a real problem.  

The Flagstick Tool is both a diagnostic tool and an active management tool. In addition to identifying the bottlenecks on the course, it can measure the impact of course setup decisions on a daily basis. Preliminary tests indicated that increasing the speed of the greens from 9 to 10 on the Stimpmeter resulted in a 12 minute difference (slower) in pace of play. Courses can also look at the impact of various hole locations such as the effect of tucking a pin in the back left corner versus the center of the green. By using the Flagstick Tool we now have a scientific manner to measure those changes and course operators will be able to make informed decisions on which course setup combinations optimize pace of play and improve the overall playing experience of the players.

We are still in the development stage of the Flagstick Tool and we will continue to test it this fall in major amateur and professional events.  Our goal is to have the Flagstick Tool available for broader distribution in 2016.  Courses will have the option of leasing the flagsticks and the system as a diagnostics tool or buying the system as a year round management tool.

Thank you Rich for sharing that. As most golfers know, getting around a golf course can take a while. A big question is how can we speed up the pace of play and still keep the round a pleasant experience, not a track meet. What Rich has written about is a great idea and will improve the golf course experience.

Rich O'Brien   Golf Writer, Adaptive Golf Instructor, Coach, former Disabled Golfer, p: Skype: obgolfer4 m: 843-826-0837 s: www.golfisforeveryonemd.com e: richobriengolf@gmail.com

I Hope He's Comfortable Out There

     This is Dave's wife. He will not be posting for a couple of days as he has taken up residence by my request outside in smaller quarters. His new quarters does not have internet access. I have included a picture of his present temporary residence on our property below.
     One more point must be made. Should Dave ever win the lottery, we are married and any winnings will be considered community property.  I am entitled to half of whatever those winning should be and I will spend those winnings however I feel appropriate. Should those funds be significant enough, I will buy my own replacement to the Taurus and will quit my job. I will be more than happy to accompany him to Australia to play golf at that time, providing this anger subsides. He may also store his golf clubs in the garage of the main house. Thank you and please know that Dave is OK, just a little cold and maybe a bit wet from the recent storms here in California..

Dave's temporary residence. He will be able to use the restroom inside the house.

Who Won The PowerBall Lottery Last Night?

     I just woke up. Last night numbers were drawn for one of the biggest lottery jackpots in history.  The amount of that jackpot exceeded $500 million . I wonder who won it? Maybe I should check my numbers, do you think?  Let's do that.
      Where is my ticket?  Let's see, where did I put it.  Oh yes, here it is stuck on the refrigerator. That was a great trip to Karvakle, New Mexico by the way.  I need to get my glasses on.  I can remember when I had 2010 vision but those days are long gone.  What are the numbers? The winning numbers according to my computer screen were 47, 2, 63, 62, 11 and the Powerball was 17. Here are my ticket and my numbers--47, yep-2, yep-63,yep-62,yep. I'm getting a little nervous here. I guess I'll keep going--11, yep.  What is the PowerBall number--17?  Do I have that?  No, it can't be.  It is!
I WON! I WON! I WON!  I am half a billion dollars richer.  What do I do with it all?
        I need to calm down, because the task at hand is daunting. How do I spend it all. Let's start by giving a couple million to charity. Pastor Dave is going to have a heart attack when he finds out that I will be funding the church's budget for the next year. That's OK, I am happy to do that. I think a million should find itself into junior and kid's golf as well as disabled golf programs.  That ought to make Mark and Rich happy.
        I'll give my wife $100,000 to spend. She can do with it whatever she wants to. She loves electronic gadgets so she can use that $100K for whatever electronic toys she wants.  She can show them off at work. I am so generous with that fine lady.  As a bonus, I think I will buy her a new wedding ring.  The last one cost $300 and that was about all we could spend on a ring at the time. Maybe I'll splurge and go as high as $1000, but that's stretching it. (I love you Dear but before you move a bed into the shed and me with it,  please keep reading and I would never do that to you if I won all that money.)
        So much for giving stuff away, now what am I going to do for me with the money? My golf career has been pretty much put on hold due to transportation--ie. car. I think I will start with a car or two. Right now my wife pretty much drives our car, mostly to work. I don't want her to stop work so that she doesn't get bored. Me not having a car causes a problem because I have no way to get to the golf course to play golf. I need a car. Why stop at just one, and the Taurus is running just fine so she can keep the Taurus.  As for me, how about a Mercedes or two. After all, I earned it.
       I would start playing golf again, especially now that I have a couple of Mercedes. How much is it to join the County Club anyway.  I heard it was up for sale, so how much would it be to buy the place?  I could do that.  Clint Eastwood did at Tehama.  Hey Clint, can I come play your golf course by the way? I'm rich now, you know.  Please?
        Speaking of playing golf, why should I limit myself to just playing golf locally. I should try Australia? I can't do that unless it was during Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter vacations because my wife has to work and those are the only time she gets off work except for summers. Can't go to Australia during the summer because it is winter down there--duh.  I might have to settle for Hawaii, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico or Myrtle Beach, or go by myself. I'm really sorry Dear. I would spend a week at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and play Pebble as well as as many of the courses in Monterey as I could. I would take a few friends, as well.  Honey, you are invited especially if we play during the summer when you are off. I don't want you to miss any work.
       I'm out of golf balls so I would buy several thousand dozen of ProV's. Why not, I can afford it. My garage is big enough to store them. Yes, I would not buy a new house as houses are very expensive to maintain.  I like the rental idea, and the house we are in is very comfortable. My wife likes to move around and I don't so we are staying here.  Don't worry, the garage will handle the golf balls. Oh wait, where will we put the two Mercedes?  The Taurus will just have to stay outside in the driveway.  
       Of course I would have to invest in some new clubs. The first thing I would do is buy a new Directed Force putter from Bill Presse. Why not, I can afford it.  In fact Bill, why don't you build me five. They are great putters.  You gave one to Mark.
        I think I will buy a new set of TaylorMades and a new driver.  No, how about a new set of Callaways with a new Callaway driver. I have enough money, I would like to meet Phill and have lunch with him. How about a new set of Pings? How about I buy all three?  That is a great idea.  Hey Mark, can I fly up to Yuma and you can fit me for a new set of Henry Griffitts?  I would love that.  How about a new set for my wife? She may not be able to go to Pebble with me because she has to work so the least I can do for her is to get her a set of custom Henry Griffitts. By the way Mark, do you know Mike Schy or Bill Phillipps out
 of Madera? Never mind.
          Let me see, what else can I come up with as far as golf to spend my money?  Hmmm....

     Honey, Honey it's getting late and you need to wake up.  You have a blog to write and I have to get to work.Your readers depend on you.  You don't want to disappoint Mark, Fred, Brad and Rich. Wake up.  WAKE UP!
      Does this mean I didn't win the Lottery?

OK, I'm up and ready to meet the day. Have a good day at work Dear.

    

Golf Digest's Top 100 Courses In The World I Probably Won't Be Able To Play

       Golf Digest has published its top 100 golf courses from around the world. They are all wonderful courses that I am sure that all golfers would do almost anything to play.  Unfortunately, the average golfer won't be able to for a number of reasons. The major reasons are that they are either private and closed to the public, or are too expensive and can set back the average golfer a year's salary.  Many are on the other side of the country or in many cases the other side of the world so traveling to the courses would be extremely prohibitive. I'm OK with that, but I have trouble with the green fee cost and the "elitism" of those courses that are private.
      Golf should be a game where the average person can play and are not excluded because of class or economics. I'm not saying free golf for everyone, that just is not feasible putting a tremendous strain on venues and on golfers who complain about slow play.  Slow play is bad enough as it is.  What I am saying is that golf should be affordable to those who want to play.  I am not talking about those who can afford exclusive courses and clubs.
      Golf Digest loves to come out with "Top Courses" lists.  One of the lists just published was their "Top Public Courses You Can Play" list. Great job Golf Digest, but most of the courses on that list were extremely expensive as well. Most had green fees of over $100, and a good many of them the fees hovered around the $200 to $300 levels.
      I have played Torrey Pines and Pasatiempo because I live on the West Coast in California, but I can' t play them on a regular basis.  I would rather play Coronado or Balboa Park  in the San Diego in the San Diego Area and pay less for great golf.  In the Monterey Bay Area I have played Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz which is a fine historic course, but I would rather save my money and go up the hill and across the freeway and play DeLaveaga.  With the money I saved, I could get a room and have a great meal--maybe a pizza and motel 6--in San Diego or Santa Cruz. I don't even want to mention what it would cost to play Pebble Beach.
     As golfers we fight a battle against the perception among non-golfers that golf is an elitist sport reserved only for "rich, white men" and played at mostly private courses. Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Golf is a game for the masses and how can we bring more average people into the game when the image of the game is so elitist?  You can come to my course and see who the golfer is. I have written about this many times. When Golf Digest publishes lists like this, it puts forth that elitist image and does nothing to combat that image. Yes, these are some great courses and should be showcased. But please Golf Digest, do more for the average golfer. There are a lot of magnificent courses I can afford to play.

Check out my DeLaveaga video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pUzEB0tmzMQ

This is a great course in the hills above Santa Cruz in the Monterey Bay area and you can play it for around $60 with cart.