Divot Mix

“Golf is like faith: it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Arnold Haultain, The Mystery of Golf, 1908

Distance devices will not be allowed for 2006 USGA championships

The United States Golf Association will not adopt the new Local Rule allowing the use of distance-measuring devices at its championships or qualifying rounds in 2006.  However, the association will review the matter annually.

Even though the USGA will not adopt this Local Rule in its championships in 2006, it recognizes that state and local golf associations, tournament committees and individual golf courses may choose to adopt it.

This Local Rule allowing the use of distance-measuring devices will be available for use by Committees beginning Jan. 1, 2006 . Decision 14-3/0.5 Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance-Measuring Device allows a Committee to establish a Local Rule permitting players to use devices that measure distance only.  

However, if, during a stipulated round with this Local Rule in effect, a player uses a device that actually provides him/her with information on other conditions that might affect play (e.g., gradient, wind velocity, wind direction, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification.

Play Golf America shows growing participation

Play Golf America, the industry player development program launched in 2004, continued to expand in 2005, with rising numbers of participation from golfers, PGA professionals and facilities.

A record 6,000 facilities served as host sites for Play Golf America programs, more than 556,000 people participated in group lessons at these facilities and a total of 4.9 million participated in organized play. 

"In 2005, we continued to build upon the momentum of Play Golf America and are pleased with the progress we've made," said Roger Warren, president of the PGA of America. " Play Golf America is becoming the recognized resource for finding a golf program to fit the needs of the consumer." 

A survey of participants showed that 83 percent of those new to the game continued to play golf following their participation in a Play Golf America program. These new golfers played an average of 17 rounds during the past 12 months and spent an average of $1,661 on golf products and services.  This is a significant increase over the $852 annual spending recorded in a 2004 survey of new golfers.

In addition, 98 percent of existing golfers who participated in Play Golf America programs were still playing the game one year later.  These existing golfers went from playing an average of 24 rounds per year to 40 rounds in the past 12 months and spent an average of $4,024. 

Highlights of the 2005 campaign include:

• 6,000 PGA and LPGA member facilities that have hosted adult/family player development programs (25 percent increase from 2004);
• Record 122,000 lessons (32 percent increase) given by nearly 7,000 PGA Professionals (38 percent increase) during PGA Free Lesson Month;
• More than 556,000 participants in group lessons at Play Golf America host sites (66 percent increase);
• Expansion of Play Golf America Days to 12 markets; 
• And a launch of the inaugural Women's Golf Week. 

Since its inception, the Play Golf America promotional campaign has generated a combined 2.4 billion impressions on potential golfers, at a value of more than $39 million. For more, visit www.playgolfamerica.com.

Hall of Fame to show Gary Player exhibit

The World Golf Hall of Fame will honor its Global Ambassador, Gary Player, in a special exhibit beginning Tuesday, March 21, 2006 , during The Players Championship week. The exhibit will explore the international impact of the world's most traveled athlete.

“Golf has provided me so many opportunities over the years, and continues to do so,” said Player. “I am honored to be a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and even more so to have my story told in this upcoming special exhibit.”

The exhibit, “Gary Player: A Global Journey,” will celebrate his career, provide a glimpse of his life off-the course and delve into his mission to help underprivileged children around the world and in his native South Africa. Personal artifacts, memorabilia, photography, other artwork and video will be featured throughout the comprehensive exhibit.

“Gary Player's influence on the game of golf around the world is truly immeasurable,” said Jack Peter, senior vice president and COO of the Hall of Fame. “In 50 years since he turned professional—over 160 professional victories on six continents later—he continues to make his distinguished mark on the sport, both on and off the course. We are eager for this opportunity to tell his story.”

The exhibit will remain on display through the beginning of 2007.

GCSAA joins National Institute of Golf Management

GCSAA is now a partner in the National Institute of Golf Management, a joint venture between the National Golf Foundation and Oglebay Resort and Conference Center.

The Institute, an annual education program to be held Jan. 8 – 13, 2006, at the Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, W. Va., is specifically designed for and taught by golf course owners, managers, superintendents and other key personnel. It has a tradition of enhancing and developing excellence in golf industry leaders by providing education based on solid, fundamental knowledge from all disciplines of golf course management.

GCSAA will work with its NGF and Oglebay to keep the customized education interactive and relevant to the overall golf facility. Registration information is available at www.ngf.org/nigm or by phone at (800) 624-6988 , Ext. 4019.