Golf 2.0 is off and running and if we all do our part as an industry, this strategy can really make an impact on 61 million lapsed golfers. It can also help us drive new players to the game and retain the existing core golfers.
The PGA Merchandise Show was the official kick off for the industries’ Strategic Player Development Program. Jack Nicklaus provided opening remarks on the first day, showing his support and excitement for this new program.
It was great to be a part of the introduction of Golf 2.0. I am on the national committee for this program and spoke at the show on how to retain our beginner players. I was honored to share my insights on a subject that is critical in today’s golf industry.
During that hour presentation, I presented many different ideas on how to engage and retain new players. I talked about how to break down the barriers that keep people from engaging in the game of golf; barriers like time, money, lifestyle and difficulty of the game. You have to create the right program to make these players comfortable and then market it to them using the right venue.
Sherri McDonald, PGA Teaching Pro at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, talks on behalf of Spirit Golf Management. Note Eagle Ridge Golf Club on the graphic visual.
It was good to see so many people in the golf industry paying attention to what we, at Spirit Golf Management, have always been focused on, engaging the public. Creating the right player development programs and finding ways to engage customers in your specific local community are key in growing the game of golf and right now these concepts have everyone’s attention.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments at mikea@spiritgolf.net
Spirit Golf Management. Growing the game one course at a time.