Page 33 - GBC summer English 2025

Solving the New Golfer
As leaders in the golf industry,
we need to rethink our role in
assisting these new golfers. Most
of them have come to the game
without the traditional safety net
of having someone help them
Puzzle
navigate their way through the
learning phases of the game. In the
years leading up to the pandemic,
the PGA professional or another
Adapting to Modern
instructor at the course was the one
giving the necessary golf lessons
and complementing the efforts of
Pathways into the Game
the family member or friend who
made the introduction to the game.
Now more people are
discovering the game on their
“Change is inevitable. Growth
own, either through green grass
golf swing with all its complexities.
facilities or by the user-friendly
is optional,” according to John C.
Seasoned golfers took pride in
driving ranges. These new facilities
Maxwell, an American author,
introducing these new golfers,
incorporate technology and offer a
speaker, and pastor who has
knowing that they are contributing
thriving social network combined
written many books, primarily
to the future longevity of the game.
with a great selection of F&B
focusing on leadership. We in the
choices. Our new golfers need
golf business have witnessed a
RETHINKING OUR ROLE
acceptance, patience, and guidance,
significant change in how new
The pandemic took its toll on society
allowing them to continue to enjoy
golfers are introduced to the game.
in numerous ways; however, the
the game well into their foreseeable
How we choose to work
net result for those of us in the
future.
through this change will be
golf business has been nothing
dependent on us. Before 2020,
short of remarkable. The pandemic
people were generally introduced
was able to shine a light on the
to the game by a family member
positive qualities the game offers.
or friend who was courageous
The NGCOA Canada is leading
enough to invite them to at least
the charge by providing new ways
try the game. They took on a
for people to be introduced to the
“mentorship” role in guiding the
game: Welcome to Golf, Take A Kid
new golfer through the game’s
To The Course, Get Golf Ready,
rules and etiquette. They even did
GOLFEXPOs, and the Golfer’s Red
their best to introduce them to the
Books.
BOTTOM LINE IMPACT
At Whisky Run Golf Club in Port
Colborne, Ontario, we have looked
at new ways to best help these new
golfers. How can we replace the
traditional safety net of friends and
family? What came to mind was
to offer some basic golf instruction
that did not just focus on the golf
swing itself.
Golf Business Canada 33