The Friends And Family Plan: Part Two

         Yes, it is true.  Time seems to fly and the demands on that time are many.  It is also true that one of the biggest reasons people aren't taking up the game of golf or have left the game is because of time constraints. I understand that. Priorities have changed as far as how we spend that time.  Family time is limited because of both mom and dad in many cases having careers so that family time has to be spent wisely.  Golf can be a wonderful activity where the whole family can be involved and be together.
     Families, as I wrote about yesterday enroll their kids in a large variety of activities.  There is time spent at soccer games and practices as well as little league baseball and softball. These are all great activities to be sure but how parents do not interact with their kids other than cheering for them on the sidelines. Parents can't play the sport and actively participate with their kids. I have never seen a parent play shortstop in a little league game or play sweeper in the kid's soccer game. I know in my case my body would not allow it, in fact it hurts just to think about it.  Golf is different and the whole family can play together.
     What can courses and golf facilities do to encourage families to come out to the golf course?  How can we get families to start playing golf together.  There is a lot that can be done starting at the school level. There has to be a concerted effort at the school level to promote the game to kids. Programs such as The First Tee and The Littleist Golfer need to be promoted in schools and at the course.  Junior golf programs need to be a priority.  Phil Green in Newcastle with his Grow The Game Program is a model for what can be done.
      Junior golf is right now popular and growing.  There are many organization that put on junior tournaments.  My daughter went up through the ranks.  Her and I would attend tournaments together which included a round of golf before her tournament.  We also must encourage girls and young ladies to play in these tournaments in girl's flights.  In fact, when my daughter was playing there were some girls that could give the boys a run for their money.
      How about holding family oriented activities at the course?  Where are the father-son, father-daughter, mother-son, mother-daughter activities such as tournaments and other fun activities. What about an evening bar-b-que that kicks off with a nine hole family scramble tournament.  Be creative with the formats.  I once played a nine hole tournament with my daughter where we putted with a hockey stick.  Make up fun outings where the family can play together.  The game of golf is a family friendly activity and great clean fun.  
       Who normally takes their kids to a golf lesson?  I think most of you will agree it is mom. What does mom do while their kid is taking a golf lesson?  Probably sit and watch.  That's OK, but why not put a club in mom's had and have her hit a few.  We want more ladies in the game and this is a great way to do it.  In fact, what would be wrong with having family golf lessons, where the whole family takes a group lesson together.
       Golf is a family friendly activity.  What a better way to be out in the fresh air in an activity that teaches sportsmanship and honor.  With demands on time in today's society, why not bring families together at the golf course.  Put the video game down and come out and have some real fun.  Let's have that fun together as a family.

I have a lot of fun spending time on the course with my son, daughter and wife.