Divot Mix

“The only thing we can guarantee tomorrow -- grown men will cry” -- The Golf Channel announcer Brian Anderson, after round five of the PGA Tour Qualifying School

Bobby Jones publication offers educational opportunity

The USGA Museum has introduced a new publication as part of its educational program. "Character of a Champion: The Bobby Jones Story," is 16-page newspaper-style publication commemorating the 75th anniversary of Jones' Grand Slam.

The publication is the result of the USGA's partnership with various institutions, including the Atlanta History Center and the World Golf Hall of Fame that brought the story of the Grand Slam to golf fans around the country. Now, according to Rand Jerris, director of the USGA Museum and Archives, the association is offering to share the story with junior golfers.

"The program meets national learning standards in a variety of subjects, from math and reading to geography, language arts and civics," Jerris said. "At the core is a focus on 'character education," which uses examples from Bob Jones' career, and his battle with illness, to teach lessons about responsibility, courage discipline, perseverance, humor and individuality." It includes a variety of activities and lessons, and is an excellent way to teach kids about golf history.

Jerris said, "If there is a school, athletic program, association, golf club, or any other organization in your community that you think might benefit from this program share with us the contact information and we will be happy to send them copies." Contact the museum as (908) 234-2300 or mailto:museum@usga.org.

PGA of America expands Play Golf America days

The PGA of America says it is committed to expanding its successful Play Golf America Days program across the country in 2006 by offering all 41 PGA Sections the opportunity to host one of these consumer golf festivals. To date, more than 30 PGA Sections have committed to hosting a Play Golf America Day in 2006.

In 2005, Play Golf America Days were held at 12 facilities with more than 7,500 consumer attendees. Golfers of all ages and skill levels received complimentary group and individual instruction, including First Swing Clinics for new golfers.

Roger Warren, president of the PGA of America, said, “The purpose of Play Golf America is to connect consumers with local programs designed to increase their enjoyment of the game. Our ultimate goal is to get consumers, whether they are able to attend the Play Golf America Day in their market or not, involved in a player development program such as Link Up 2 Golf, PGA First Swing or Play Golf America Leagues.”

The complete list of 2006 Play Golf America Days, including dates and locations, will be announced at the PGA Merchandise Show in January. The events will also be featured on www.playgolfamerica.com.

Golfers with disabilities get "Toolkit"

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association has created a "Players Toolkit," designed to provide basic information and resources about the game of golf for persons with disabilities.

The kit, along with the alliance's newly reformatted and updated "Toolkit for Golf Course Owners," is available on the Alliance Web site at www.accessgolf.org.

The 16-page Adobe Acrobat document offers advice on how to get started, benefits of the game for people with disabilities, and adaptations of golf equipment and mobility devices. It also has specific information and advice on how specific disabilities affect the game, and a list of resources for golfers with disabilities. To see the Toolkit, click here.