GCSAA is closely associated on many levels with Golf 20/20's Get Golf Ready in 5 Days program, so here's some good news from the World Golf Foundation, taken from a recent release.
Get Golf Ready in 5 Days, (the photo here is from the program's announcement last fall) has exceeded its target number of host facilities in the initial year of the program. Nearly 1,100 facilities are certified to host the program, surpassing the target goal of 700 host facilities for 2009, and more than 2,260 Get Golf Ready events have been posted online. Aimed at bringing adults into the game in a fast, fun and affordable way, Get Golf Ready, Play Golf America’s 2009 featured program, seeks to introduce the game to thousands of golfers in the first year.
Targeting adults who have limited or no experience with the game of golf, Get Golf Ready is a series of five introductory lessons offered by PGA/LPGA Professionals in a small-group environment at prices ranging from approximately $99 to $149 (varies by facility). The program provides basic skills instruction as well as information regarding the background of the game’s rules, etiquette and values. Significant on-course learning opportunities are a part of each lesson. Overall, participants gain insight into techniques regarding chipping, putting, full swing, half swing and bunker play as well as the fundamental guidelines regarding the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course, among others. Following the completion of the five-session program, a smooth transition into other Get Golf Ready graduate outings, such as the free and low-cost programs offered by Play Golf America (PlayGolfAmerica.com), are provided.
“We are pleased with the enthusiasm and support Get Golf Ready has generated within the golf industry,” said Steve Mona, Chief Executive Officer of World Golf Foundation and former GCSAA CEO. “Many facilities have already exceeded their first-year goal of 50 students.”
Get Golf Ready was announced in November 2008 as part of the World Golf Foundation’s Golf 20/20 initiative. The program is benefiting from financial support and collaboration from the entire golf industry, including GCSAA, the World Golf Foundation, The PGA of America and other leading national and state golf associations, organizations, manufacturers, media and companies.
The World Golf Foundation is providing a one-time $1,000 stipend to each qualifying certified facility as an incentive to deliver a branded experience and education, while helping to offset the program’s start-up and promotional costs. More than $2.5 million has been committed by a broad cross-section of the industry toward the funding of the facility stipends.
The 2009 Get Golf Ready host sites are geographically dispersed throughout the country. However, there are six metro target markets for a greater concentration of participating facilities, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Portland, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In each of these six regions, at least 10 facilities are certified to offer Get Golf Ready. According to the news release, the program has found that the facilities having the most success are those with a history of player development and beginner instruction.
Very good news for golf fans
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