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19th Hole

This type of “grow the game” initiative might actually work

Published

7 years ago

on

Let’s be honest: “Grow the game” is a phrase we’re all tired of hearing. Likewise, the doom and gloom participation figures purporting to signal the end of golf are tiresome as well. That said, exploring creative solutions to ensure the future of the game is vital, unless we’re content with pre-Tiger Woods levels of participation (or lower).

Golf Digest’s Mike Stachura, operating outside of his usual equipment-related territory, filed an excellent look at the program New York’s City Parks Foundation is running to introduce young people to the game.

(Credit: CityParks Foundation)

(Credit: CityParks Foundation)

Stachura writes,

“The idea started in 2000 with Mike Silverman, director of sports for City Parks Foundation, a nonprofit whose sports, arts, education and city development programs reach almost half a million people each year in New York’s more than 350 parks, recreation centers and schools. Now, more than 1,000 kids a summer get to experience golf twice a week. Nearly half are eligible for free lunch programs in school.”

“The organization’s summer golf programs are completely free, and hundreds of kids have access to golf cards that get them on 10 of the city’s public golf courses for a $1 green fee. Its junior learning center, wedged into a previously ignored corner of Dyker Beach Golf Course, offers a practice range, practice putting green, short-game area, clubhouse and classroom, as well as a six-hole short course, at no cost.”

More wide-ranging than initiatives like The First Tee, this program hits all the notes: Low cost. Access to donated clubs. Non-traditional golf options (short game areas, six-hole short course). Lessons with engaging teachers. The opportunity to tee it up at a variety of venues.

Not only should more programs like this exist (USGA, are you listening?), but support should extend beyond the nonprofits that facilitate them. Courses can not only generate goodwill by getting involved, but also have a hand in creating future customers.

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19th Hole

Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis

Published

1 hour ago

on

May 9, 2024

By

According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.

Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.

However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”

The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.

The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.

The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.

The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

1 day ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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19th Hole

PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

1 day ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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