For many years, although the stigma attached to golf is diminishing in certain parts of the world, golf has been deemed a sport for the well to do gentleman.
But an event that was simple in form and easy to organize gave an insight into just how universal golf can be given the opportunity. The event in question was a putting competition which took place on a Sunday morning (we held other after the success of the first).
A total of 60 people signed up, which was far more than we had anticipated. Our youngest competitor was just 5 years old, and our oldest a very young 82-year-old. A difference of 77 years. It reaffirmed my belief that golf is a game for everyone. It also increased my love of coaching and bringing new people to the game at every opportunity.
One of the most remarkable moments of the day was when one of the competitors, who had never played golf before, but took part because his son was, rolled in a putt of around 40-feet. He was astonished, once the shock wore off, elation followed, and he was hooked on the game. He and his son are still playing some 8 years later and loving every minute of it.
The simple idea of a putting competition illustrates just how versatile golf, as a sport is. It also demonstrates how you can get your whole family involved, giving every family member the opportunity to try the game for very little out-lay.
I believe that golf courses should be trailing similar initiatives to try and drive forward membership numbers and newcomers to the game. It doesn´t take an awful lot of planning or money to host a similar event, but the rewards are huge.
The idea of the competition was born from my love of seaside crazy golf courses and the immense fun I had playing with my family as a child on the family holiday.
And although the competition was held at a busy, well-respected golf course, which was full of players walking past as they enjoyed their rounds, the feedback from all was positive. One group even asked to join mid-round. But the most rewarding aspect of the initiative was the multiple “it is great to see grand-parents and grand-children enjoying the sport together”
Golf, if you allow it to be can be a great way to spend a day with the family, with courses that have a good adult and junior membership base often hosting father and son or mother and daughter competitions or the similar days.
Avoid the thought process of “the wife can stay at home, golf is my time” attitude, because I am telling you, you are missing out on a hell of a way to spend time with your loved ones. At no point should you force a partner or child into playing golf, just as much as you should not deny them the opportunity but be open to at least trying it.
Golf played as a family is highly rewarding.
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