“There is a trophy to be won. Golfers are keenly focused. Pressure is on. But, I just want to play. Really! I’m not interested in a lower handicap. I just want to play.
“I could care less about a trophy. I want to laugh with my friends. Rib them occasionally when their fourth putt comes up short. I want to enjoy a sandwich and cold beverage at the end of the day. My week is too stressed. I just want to play.
“I want to get away for a couple hours with my friends, have some fun, enjoy their company, the beauty of the course, and take a few swings at a little white ball. Okay, maybe more than a few. Is anyone with me? Hey, by the way, I’m only nine!”
It’s no secret that participation in golf has been flagging these last five years. Many alternatives and initiatives are being promoted.
- The “Get Golf Ready” initiative promoted by PGA of America offers to get a beginner ready to go out on the course after five lessons.
- Flogton (“not golf” spelled backwards) enables a golfer to “bump” the ball from behind a tree or take extra mulligans on every shot, and hit to a 15” cup.
- This summer, the USGA and PGA proposed Tee it Forward to encourage golfers to play appropriate tees.
- First Tee and other youth programs are meant to help children get into the game.
Scores of programs are aimed at getting more players into the game and keeping them there. Some are helpful while others miss the mark. From where we sit, to help golfers stay in the game programs like those mentioned above need three things:
- Include the Family – Mom, dad, and the kids learn to play together.
- Focus on the Fundamentals – Keep it simple so beginners can absorb.
- Most importantly, Make it Fun – “Learning works best when fun comes first.”
By focusing on helping families have fun while learning the fundamentals, we will indeed grow the game.
[Aticle first appeared in the August 2011 issue of Family Times published monthly by Play-a-Round Golf. To receive your own copy, please send your mailing address to starter@playaroundgolf.net.]
