|
Congressional Golf Caucus at U.S. Open
|
|
On June 14, several members of the Congressional Golf Caucus were given a
behind-the-scenes look at Congressional Country Club, home of the 2011 U.S. Open. During this tour, they saw firsthand the profound impact that golf has on the nation's economy, the job opportunities it provides and the environmental
stewardship it promotes.
Click here to see pictures
Click here to view a segment highlighting the importance of golf to communities across the country on the Golf Channel
|
|
State Economic Impact Reports
|
|
In 2010, GOLF 20/20 completed six economic impact studies for the states listed below. Click the name of the state to view the report.
A total of 25 states have completed economic impact studies as of the end of 2010. Six more states are scheduled to complete reports in 2011.
- Alabama
- Maryland
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
|
|
President's Challenge Advocate Program
|
|
The President's Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) program allows people of ALL ages to participate. Here are the goals of PALA:
- Adults (18 and older): Need to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks.
- Kids and teens (6-17 ): Need to be active 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks.
Partnering with the President's Council is a good opportunity for the golf industry to reinforce our message that playing golf is one of the ways that individuals and families can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you are interested in registering for the President's Challenge Advocate Program or learning more about it, email Steven Young at SYoung@worldgolffoundation.org or call 904-940-4201
|
|
|
|
Disaster Tax Relief Legislation
|
|
New legislation that would provide temporary tax relief to families and businesses affected by this year's tornados and flooding was recently introduced by Sen. Richard Shelby and Rep. Spencer Bachus. Yet a provision of it excludes the golf industry from receiving relief, just as similar bills have in the past.
Many of the golf industry's leading associations have created a pre-written
message that you can personalize and send to Members of Congress. This message asks for fair treatment for golf. It can be emailed to your
representatives in Congress. The message asks that they support golf's inclusion and give
public golf courses the same relief available to other small businesses.
This link is courtesy of the NGCOA.
|
|
|
|
GOLF 20/20 Forum In The Books
"The Time Is Now"
Get Golf Ready, among other player development programs, was the center of attention at the recent GOLF 20/20 Forum at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL on May 10th. A panel that included John Hugghins, SVP of TPC Operations for the PGA TOUR, Ken Morton Sr., CEO of Morton Golf and Ted Bishop, VP of the PGA of America, discussed best practices and the benefits of Get Golf Ready. The commentary about Get Golf Ready focused on the success it has had and the contributions it has made to the golf industry. "It's affordable. It promotes fun and it's a perfect opportunity to break down some of the barriers to playing our game. I walk the Get Golf Ready walk at my facility. We want to develop golfers and teach students how to have fun with golf," Bishop said during his presentation.
Introduced at the GOLF 20/20 Forum were the “It’s Okay to Play Golf for Fun” practices. “These practices are designed to allow people to enter the game of golf in a guilt-free, non-intimidating manner,” said Cathy Harbin, Executive Director of GOLF 20/20. “The intent is to focus on fun while you increase your comfort and confidence.”
Also included in the day were presentations from Joe Steranka, Joe Beditz, Pam Swensen, Steve Mona and many others who are making a positive impact on the future of golf. All the presentations can be seen through the link below.
Click here to see presentations from GOLF 20/20 Forum 2011
Click to Read the "It's Okay to Play Golf for Fun" Practices
|
|
- Currently 1,778 Facilities
- Over 35,000 participants reported through the end of 2010
- 84% retention rate in first year after graduation
- 75% retention rate in second year after graduation
- 44% new golfers
- 42% former golfers returning
- 14% current golfers
- Participants spend $900 (including lessons) in the first year and $780 in the second year.
|
|
Tee It Forward
In making playing more fun and enjoyable, the allied associations of golf have implemented TEE IT FORWARD. TEE IT FORWARD encourages all golfers to play the course at a length that is aligned with their average driving distance. With many more golfers hitting approach shots with 6-7 irons instead of hybrids and long irons, their chances for enjoyment increase. You can play TEE IT FORWARD anytime and anywhere. To search for an official TEE IT FORWARD golf course, go to Play Golf America.com and click on "TEE IT FORWARD".
|
|
Honours Golf Courses Participate in Tee It Forward Pilot Program
Honours Golf partners with the PGA of America, the USGA and the World Golf Foundation to participate in a pilot program for the "TEE IT FORWARD" initiative. The initiative, which launched nationwide July 5th, is designed to help golfers have more fun on the course, speed up play, lower scores and enhance their overall experience by playing from a set of tees best suited for their abilities. Honours Golf is assisting the golf industry with evaluating the effectiveness of the Tee It Forward tees as well as consumer compliance with playing these tees. For the week of July 8-15 all Honours Golf courses, located in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, offered golfers a choice between three sets of tees: the back tees, tees at 6,100 yards and tees at 4,600 yards. On July 16th, 23rd, and 30th, each Honours Golf course offered its standard set of tees along with the 6,100 yard and 4,600 yard tees. At this time, golfers had a choice to participate in the “Tee It Forward” tees or play from the standard set of tees. All courses collected email addresses from those playing the Tee It Forward tees and the National Golf Foundation will follow up with a survey. This survey will measure enjoyment, score and pace of play. The survey results should be available by the end of August.
|
|
Image Of The Game
The National Golf Foundation, in conjunction with GOLF 20/20, conducted a survey to determine the current perceptions of golf. This survey was conducted with 15,000 Americans and sought to answer the following three questions:
1. Do we have an image problem?
2. Has our image changed?
3. Could our image be holding back growth?
This data gives us a better understanding of the current perceptions of golf and furthers our resolve to continue our campaign to improve the Image of the Game.
|
|
|
