Divot Mix

So far as our home-bred golfers are concerned, she is not only in a class by herself, but also superior in the quality of her game to any of our men. -- New York Sun, 1898, regarding Beatrix Hoyt, winner the 1896-98 U.S. Women's Amateur Championships

NGF says golfer confidence high to start season

According to the National Golf Foundation's Pre-Season Consumer Report, golf's "best customers"--those who played 25+ rounds per year and/or had household golf-related spending of $1,000+ -- averaged 52 rounds in 2003 and expect to play 61 rounds in 2004, an 18 percent increase.

“While this may be partly wishful thinking, it's certainly a positive sign,” said Jim Kass, NGF director of research.

Two-thirds of golf's "best customers" played less golf than they wanted to in 2003, especially younger, less skilled and less experienced players. Those who played less than they wanted to averaged 40 rounds, wish they could have played 84 rounds and plan to play 53 rounds in 2004.

The Pre-Season Consumer Report helps answer the question, “Will the recent upturn in the economy give a boost to the golf industry in 2004?” In a survey of 350 best customers in December, NGF asked about their intent to play and travel, as well as what they liked most and disliked most about golf.

Half of the respondents took two or more golf trips in 2003. Certain segments of best customers were more likely to take more golf trips: ages 60+, those who have played 30+ years, very frequent golfers (60+ rounds per year), household income $100,000 or above and private club members. Most importantly, golf travelers at every level said they planned to do more golf travel in the coming year.

For more information on the Pre-Season Consumer Report and other NGF flagship research reports, contact the NGF at (561) 744-6006.

2005 U.S. Open attracts 5,000-plus volunteers

With more than 5,200 potential volunteers registered, recruitment for the 2005 U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst has officially closed, according to Reg Jones, championship director. 

The 2005 U.S. Open office began accepting volunteer applications in September 2003.   All volunteer positions were filled by December 2003.  A waiting list was started at the beginning of this year and it filled within a matter of weeks.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received. We anticipated filling  our  requirements  this  summer, so we are several months ahead of schedule,"  said  Lindsay  Spitzer,  volunteer  coordinator  for  the 2005 Championship.  "In total, we will have over 5,000 volunteers serving on 31 different volunteer committees and representing over 100,000 man hours in preparation for the Championship."

Those who have been selected as volunteers will receive a newsletter in the coming months. Applicants on the waiting list will be notified by mail if positions become available. Training for volunteers will start in the spring of 2005.

For those interested in attending the 2005 U.S. Open, tickets will be sold through a random drawing.  Applications will be accepted from June 21 and August 15, 2004. To apply, visit http://www.usga.org, or call (908) 234-2300 Ext. 1407.

For more information on the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, contact the Pinehurst Championship Management office at (910) 235-8151.

Wilson Golf donates to The First Tee

In celebration of its 90th anniversary Wilson Golf  has announced a partnership with The First Tee. The company will donate $90 for every birdie made by Wilson staff member Jesper Parnevik on the 2004 PGA Tour.

In addition, Wilson will donate a set of equipment as used by Jesper, a signed Jesper Parnevik bag, hat, glove and balls, as well as a round of golf with Jesper at one of the country's premier golf courses, to be auctioned on eBay at The First Tee Charity Auction Store.

In addition, to benefit a youngster from Chicago, home to it's worldwide headquarters Wilson will offer an internship for this summer and next, to a qualified participant from one of The First Tee Chicago-area chapters.

 "In just over six years, The First Tee has made great strides bringing golf to youngsters across America, ultimately improving the overall strength of the sport," said Angus Moir, Wilson Golf's global business director. "There are so many children today that do not even have the chance to learn and play golf, and The First Tee is all about giving kids that opportunity. The First Tee is tremendous for golf and tremendous for the industry, and we are proud to help them in any way we can."

Scotts announces Quiz Bowl winners

The Scotts Co. has announced the winners of its Scotts Seed Quiz Bowl at the GCSAA International Golf Course Show in San Diego. The company offered contestants a chance to compete individually and for their alma maters in a quiz on Roundup Ready Creeping Bentgrass, Scotts Hybrid Bluegrass Series and golf trivia.

According to the company, competition was fierce for school pride, scholarship money and letterman's jackets, but in the end, graduates of Kansas State University prevailed, and earned a $2,500 scholarship in Scott's name for their school.

The individual winners for each of four session were:

Thursday — Zack Hart, Western Kentucky University, 11 points
Friday a.m.— Scott Kauffman, GolfWeek, University of Hawaii, 8 points
Friday p.m. — Daniel McFadden, Kansas State University, 10 points
Saturday — Ray Meredith, Follow Me Golf Club, University of Georgia, 9 points