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We are constantly bombarded
with ideas to ‘grow the game’
and yet the number of golfers
is not growing. There were 30
million people playing golf
in the United States previous
to the 2008-2009 recession.
Loss of jobs, less time and
meager disposable incomes
have caused that number to
decline by more than 20%.
Growing the game of golf
is the main objective of the
over 28,000 men and women
professional golfers that make
up the PGA of America. They
are in the trenches working
behind the counter and on
the practice range to help
everyone improve and enjoy
the game.
Golf courses owners have
cut costs and continue to
do so. In past years, when
they might hire two or three
assistant professionals to
perform the more mundane
tasks of running a pro shop
and golf course, club owners
now only hire one. The Head
Professional must now take
time away from interacting
with the customers to act as
a clerk, stock boy and cart
wrangler.
The result is that profession-
als have less time to meet
golfers visiting their facilities
and spend less time creating
a pleasurable golfing experi-
ence.
Another area that has
affected the number of
golfers is the addition of
too much technology in the
teaching area. It can frustrate
beginners and turn them
away from the game.
The use of technology,
to analyze swing speed,
launch angle and spin rate,
is a perfect tool for scratch
or professional golfers, but
too much information only
creates confusion for the
average or beginning golfer.
I recently had the pleasure of
meeting the new owners of
a golf resort. They were not
serious golfers and were only
interested in increasing the net
profit from their resort.
They asked,
“If you were in our shoes what
are three things you would do to
make sure we are profitable in
our first year?”
In my answer, I stressed that
the golf department should
be the showcase of the resort.
A beautifully maintained
course creates the perfect
presentation for the entire
facility and provides a value-
added concept for resort
guests.
As an owner, I would want
my Head Professional to be
a vital cog in each customer’s
experience while they are on
the grounds. In addition, the
facility should become known
for its teaching academy.
Many have left because they
Is Technology Ruining Golf?
By
Brad Patterson, PGA Professional
NWO Golf Links