Grassroots Effort by Educators Leads to an Innovative School Golf Course

© The Star Graphics 

Here in the US there's been much made, over the past several years, of golf's declining popularity.  In response, those who work in the industry... and those who care about the future of the game... have launched numerous initiatives to rebuild interest and attract new players to the sport, including the comprehensive, industry-wide strategic plan called Golf 2.0, which was introduced at this time last year.

Included was an ambitious campaign of public service announcements aimed at "women" and "couples", to encourage these two underrepresented groups to Get Golf Ready, with the PGA of America's nationally branded program which includes efficient, reasonably priced lessons, manageable goals and an emphasis on fun.  There are signs that the campaign is working as program participation is up 65% this year.  However, introducing young children to golf... and actually engaging them in the game... is what most agree is key to the sport's long term popularity. To that end the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's inclusion in Golf 2.0, the launch of PGA Junior League golf and the USGA's Junior Par initiatives, as well as ongoing efforts by The First Tee and Hook a Kid on Golf... not to mention the SNAG golf learning system... are all to be applauded.

In addition, there are many individuals... phys ed teachers and golf teaching professionals... and local organizations, working to promote golf in schools, which is something that could have a stellar impact on the long term growth of the game.  Nonetheless, due to the US sports culture, getting support for golf in elementary schools... and even in secondary schools... is often an uphill battle.

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Golf Going Forward: A Far Shorter Path to a More Accessible Game

"Far Forward", "Fairway", "Rookie" and "Rockin Red".

These are some of the names that have been given to the extra tee box that numerous courses have installed over the past year. They're closer to the hole than the standard forward tee, and in some places they're referred to as the "fun tees".  It's easy to see why.

The game of golf is dauntingly difficult; a fact that's been loudly lamented by generations of players. We've heard it for years, from politicians, preachers and a whole slew of stand-up comics...many of whom were actually excellent players.  It's no wonder so many once hopeful golfers give up on the game each year; they simply grow weary of playing a sport they suspect they may never get good at.

Golf is a multi-faceted game, and numerous elements contribute to its high degree of difficulty. However, due to the aforementioned exodus... and a decline in golf participation over the past several years... one of those elements is being addressed at a growing number of North America golf courses.  From coast to coast a new set of tees is making golf decidedly more accessible/enjoyable for beginners... and others... who've found frustration on courses that, particularly over the past couple of decades, have become far too long and too difficult for their skill level... even from "forward tees"... because at most of today's golf courses the forward tees play at over (often well over) 5,000 yards which for many beginner / junior / senior / female-weekend / recreational golfers means lots of picking up (frustrating) or an exceedingly slow round (frustrating + annoying / inconsiderate).

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