To the credit of the golf industry, there are a number of national grow-the-game initiatives in place. Play Golf America, The First Tee and Get Golf Ready all offer a variety of programs aimed at teaching beginners – both youngsters and adults – the game. And most have done a good job of exposing large numbers of people to golf.
What’s less clear is what happens when that newcomer to the game “graduates” from these programs. All too often, golf course operators seem to think their job is done when the instructional period is completed. But savvy managers know that’s just the beginning.
Does your course have a “mentor” program that pairs these newbies with some of your regulars? Do you offer special prices on equipment or greens fees to those who complete a training sequence at your property? Do you or your staff do quarterly follow-up phone calls or e-mails to the graduates personally inviting them back?
There are plenty of other ideas for encouraging more play from new golfers. At the Golf Inc. Conference, to be held Sept. 14-16 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, Calif., the session entitled “If golf isn’t working, why not and how do we fix it” will examine some of these critical issues, offering ideas for operators and owners.
What other related topics would you like to see explored at the conference?