GOLF GUIDE DAILY JOURNAL | 2021

CHANGING THE GAME More millennials and women hitting the greens

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Map of local courses Column: Reflecting on 2020 9-hole rounds becoming more popular Nothing« Normal About 2020 By Mike David

When 2020 began I thought the big- accounts for over $530 million annually and seeing record numbers. The interest gest issue we would face would be the in total wage income. In addition, golf in their junior golf program meant they rollout of the World Handicapping provides over $900 million annually in were adding events to meet the demand. System (WHS). Over five years in direct revenue to the Indiana economy. On May 28, 2020, we re-started our the making, the WHS was now being We had the Indiana golf course tournament programs with the Spring implemented and would allow golfers owners on our side, along with Sen. Pro Am at Rock Hollow. To our from all over the world to have one Linda Rogers, who is a golf course pleasant surprise, our entry numbers centralized handicapping and course owner herself. We developed a 5 Stage were up from 2019. People very much rating system. Converting millions Mike David Plan for golf that matched the Gov- wanted and needed golf! of golfers to this new system was a Mike David is the executive director ernor’s 5 Stage Plan for reopening the That trend has continued of the Indiana Golf Association. daunting task and there were serious state. Fortunately, the governor’s office throughout the year. For Indiana Golf, concerns about how smoothly this responded by telling us that our 5 our membership and entry numbers rollout would go for our 30,000+ Stage Plan “was in line with the State’s are up from prior years. Overall, Indiana Golf members. extended the deadline for dues for the 5 Stage Plan.” The combined effort Indiana golf courses are seeing an Little did I know that just a few over 18,000 PGA members nationwide. from Indiana Golf and the Indiana increase in play from last year that hit months into the 2020 season, handicap- They implemented weekly calls with Golf Course Owners Association gave almost 20% in both June and July. For ping would be the least of our worries. executive directors in an effort to make us a very clear road map to follow for the year, play is up 13% in Indiana and As late February and early March sure communication lines were open golf in Indiana. It also helped answer some courses are substantially higher rolled around, the COVID-19 virus and best practices could be shared. No a number of questions that we were than that. Keep in mind, that includes began to take a more prominent part one had all the answers, but the open fielding from our PGA members and Marion County courses being closed in conversations. At our March Indiana lines of communications were enough golf course owners and operators. during the month of April. Golf Foundation Board meeting, I to know that we were not alone. Communication became our top One additional thing needs to be started to hear of the impact it was The USGA followed closely behind priority during the quarantine and, pointed out. The PGA members and as- already having on the businesses of my and provided a grant program for whether or not Indiana Golf had all sociates and Indiana golf course owners board members and very soon after Allied Golf Associations who needed the answers, we were being asked all and operators are to be commended that the shutdowns began. financial support. the questions. We did our best to pro- for their efforts to provide a safe outlet Shortly after that, things began to While various businesses and vide answers when we could and seek for Hoosiers during these crazy times. get real for the Indiana Golf Office. industries were being tossed around out answers when we couldn’t. Clearly, There were significant added protocols It became evident that the state was as either essential or non-essential, there was no playbook to follow. that had a major impact on their opera- going to shut down in the near future. we got some very good news early on. One thing was clear, however, tions that they all had to undertake. Indiana Golf staff began working re- Governor Holcomb put a high level throughout the ordeal — golf has pro- They shared best practices and worked motely in mid-March and the scramble of importance on Hoosiers needing vided thousands of people a relatively together to provide Indiana golfers a was on to communicate with donors, to get outdoors for recreation even safe haven during these very uncertain quality experience while many other vendors, delivery drivers, tournament during the height of the pandemic. times. I would include myself in that things were shut down. players and everyone in between. Golf, for mental and physical health statement. It was hard to find a place While it remains to be seen if the With a very uncertain future the reasons, was essential. during the height of the quarantine resurgence the game experienced in first concern was from a budget stand- We walked a very fine line when that I felt safer than on the golf course. 2020 will carry into 2021, the op- point: how long can we go without communicating with the governor’s So, while golf courses seemed to be portunity is there. One private club golf? Fortunately, the leaders of office. On one hand, we needed to very busy this spring, Indiana Golf was in Indiana had done 19,000 rounds Indiana Golf over the years had put a do some positive politicking on the pretty much shut down during that in July, compared to just 11,000 at the high priority over fiscal responsibility relative safety of the game and the period of time. We anxiously waited for same time the previous year. Hope- and making sure there was a “rainy important economic impact the game the OK to begin to run events again. fully those new to the game or those day fund.” Our short-term financial has on the state. On the other hand, And we wondered what participation who came back to the game will see needs were of no real concern and all hundreds, and sometimes thousands in events, membership numbers, and the positive impact golf can have on staff could be retained. of people, were dying on a daily basis First Tee sign ups would look like. their lives and their families lives and The PGA of America acted quickly and golf seemed pretty insignificant. Prior to Indiana getting the approval we will see all of them again in 2021. and provided each of the 41 PGA In a letter to the governor’s office, we to begin operations again, we did get a Oh, and by the way, the rollout of Sections with an “advance” on the an- outlined the fact that the golf industry glimmer of hope from the South Texas the World Handicap System seems to nual funding they provide. They also provides 21,000 Hoosier jobs and PGA. They were running events again be going well.

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SOUTHSIDE GOLF GUIDE 2021 GUIDE GOLF SOUTHSIDE 4

and batting cages so people come come people so cages batting and of golf. of

hours but we also have mini golf golf mini have also we but hours some recent changes in the game game the in changes recent some

breeze around on in a couple of of couple a in on around breeze blamed, or credited, with at least least at with credited, or blamed,

and a golf course that you can can you that course golf a and COVID-19 can certainly be be certainly can COVID-19

“Sure, we have a driving range range driving a have we “Sure, we’re still seeing that trend today.” trend that seeing still we’re

of its make-up. its of during those times last year and and year last times those during K STOC ADOBE FROM PHOTO | seiter greg By Y STOR

family golf outings simply because because simply outings golf family 20-, 30- and 40-year-olds playing playing 40-year-olds and 30- 20-,

Otte particularly benefits from from benefits particularly Otte wood. “But we saw quite a few more more few a quite saw we “But wood.

it’s a great sign of things to come.” to things of sign great a it’s - Green in Club Golf Stick Hickory

has been due to COVID but I think think I but COVID to due been has said Chip Essig, director of golf at at golf of director Essig, Chip said

the greens greens the

game now. Of course, a lot of this this of lot a course, Of now. game golfers used to be mostly seniors,” seniors,” mostly be to used golfers

“Golf is really becoming a family family a becoming really is “Golf “Monday through Friday, daytime daytime Friday, through “Monday

and women hitting hitting women and combinations for lessons,” he said. said. he lessons,” for combinations the country. the

mother-daughter and father-son father-son and mother-daughter made up a quarter of all golfers in in golfers all of quarter a up made

“I’ve been getting a lot of of lot a getting been “I’ve nials and in 2019, female players players female 2019, in and nials More millennials millennials More

same tendencies at his facility. his at tendencies same - millen now are U.S. the in golfers

GAME in Greenwood, noticed many of the the of many noticed Greenwood, in com, approximately one third of all all of third one approximately com,

Otte Golf and Family Fun Center Center Fun Family and Golf Otte report posted on Linchpinseo. on posted report

Glenn Jones, director of golf at at golf of director Jones, Glenn According to a March 6, 2021 2021 6, March a to According

THE coming out to hit balls during lunch.” during balls hit to out coming United States. United

working at home, some were even even were some home, at working and private golf courses in the the in courses golf private and

of golf,” Essig said. “With people people “With said. Essig golf,” of CHANGING make-up of players on both public public both on players of make-up

many of them got back into the game game the into back got them of many ally a notable shift in the physical physical the in shift notable a ally

more free time and it seems that that seems it and time free more - actu There’s game. the approach

being canceled last year, parents had had parents year, last canceled being types of clubs they use or how they they how or use they clubs of types

as travel baseball and travel soccer soccer travel and baseball travel as much so about how they dress, the the dress, they how about so much “With a lot of other activities such such activities other of lot a “With Golfers are changing, and it’s not so so not it’s and changing, «are Golfers age 6+played golf (on-course or off-course (NGF), one out three Americans of every according to National the Foundation Golf teenagers down to 8-and 9-year-olds.” safe place for We them. from everything see get out kids here know they because it’s a golfers and many of are them walkers. I’ve definitely an increase seen inyounger playing of because COVID,” she said. “But older players have away passed or aren’t younger demographic. newfound interest game inthe among the of her “regulars” but feels also there’s attributed partially can be to age the toward younger players inher situation shift inFranklin, the Course Golf thinks reason, our minigolf has boomed.” get on course,” the Jones said. “For that can’tfor evenifthey too activities those IN-35071954 Supporting Tiedemann’s observations, “Sometimes, parents Ithink to are trying “To honest, be many Ithink of our Tiedemann,Lisa owner of Cyprus Run MARTINSVILLEGOLFCLUB.COM MARTINSVILLE GOLF CLUB GOLF MARTINSVILLE or three years ago. among today’s golfers begantwo actually game.” the learn is this anso awesome place for women to mann said. “We’re aflat,nine-hole course or even50-50.” werethose boys. Now, it’s more like 60-40 summer and 80percent it to be used of 60to come 80kids typically see out per to play is surprising,” Jones said. “We’ll by approximately 450,000in2020. indicate number the of female golfers rose of were those female. In NGF fact, statistics year hit arecord three million. And many played on agolf course for firstlast time the In addition, number the of people who watched or sport the read about it in2020. simulator or golf entertainment venue), through adriving range, indoor golf Essig believes the age the Essig believes and shift sex “We get alot of women here,” Tiede- The same at holds true Cyprus Run. number of“The young girls coming out O SUT ON CONSRUCT to continue to play game the once they youngcouraging very golfers inparticular basic,”very Jones said. changed areas inthose at Otte. we’veso some of that.” carrying started IPAs and gravitate ladies the toward seltzers We’re not arestaurant. looking to be sandwiches,” Essig said. “It’s golf still food. conceptopen-face grill and offer deli and tofood their beverage tweak offerings? ultimately influenceowners and directors of players frequenting golf courses local coming with during them day.” the spousetheir or significant other is “So now, as younger people are playing, playing together before COVID,” he said. But Jones has his own also way of en- “We hot sell dogsand chips. We keep it Chances are remain things will un- “With younger drinks, golfers to like seem “As far we goes, as have food an ademographicCould types inthe shift “We more seeing started couples out DUR NG NG DUR cent of increases the we saw last year.” we’re be, will going to keep at least 50per things get back to whatever normal new the but are coming back,” he said. “I as think say they’ve gotten away from golf for awhile number of people come into shop the who rediscovering game. the restthe of lives.” their enjoy with family and for friends most of forgood It’s sport. the something can they young,” she said. “I it’s think absolutely ably 60percent of our clientele now is mom and 30or dad 40years from now.” golf. playing be can They still it with their tell that’s kids one of things about best the ‘I want to play golf with my dad’,” he said. “I golf and answer best the I’ve everheard was discover it. “In addition to players, new we’ve a seen former believes Essig also players are “I’ve here been for 13years and prob- Tiedemann agrees. “I always ask why kids want they to play pen SOUTHSIDE GOLF GUIDE 2021

- 5 ON THE UPSWING« Nine-hole rounds becoming more popular

STORY By greg seiter | PHOTO FROM ADOBE STOCK

Industry statistics indicate that golfers have been increasingly interested in playing shorter-than-traditional rounds of golf in recent times and it seems that COVID-19 may have solidified that movement. “Of course, last year was a little dif- ferent because of COVID but we’ve definitely seen a change the last few years,” said Kyle Kolarz, PGA General Manager and Director of Golf at Hill- view Country Club in Franklin. “We see people playing nine (holes) or even six after work. Sometimes they play fewer than that.” According to information avail- able through NGF, a publication of the National Golf Foundation, golf course operators reported that afternoon and evening summer tee times were ex- tremely popular last year, indicating that many players were comfortable with only allowing themselves a couple of hours or less to squeeze in a few holes on any given day. Solidifying that belief, core golfers reported that 33 percent of their rounds were of the nine-hole variety. The National Golf Foundation also reports that until 1974, there were more nine-hole golf facilities in the U.S. than those with 18 or more holes. By compar- ison, there are reportedly 3,777 nine-hole golf facilities in the U.S. today that account for approximately 26 percent of total supply. Nine-hole demand seems to also be strong in Greenwood. “We have quite a few who come here after work and ride nine holes,” said Brandon Bezy, head golf professional at

6 SOUTHSIDE GOLF GUIDE 2021 IN-35072082 round of 18.” don’twho have four hours for afull dinner. It opens game the up to those or and have so still to time go out for play afew holes, done be inan hour many,” Kolarz said. “I can go out and shorter rounds are more appealing to with families now and of because that, golf that’s attractive? so about playing an abbreviated round of commit to aleague.” want to play more golf, should they we already have up. 51signed and we usually cap it at 32teams but Center. “We have anine-hole league Valle Vista Club Golf and Conference The option for areduction intime “People are spending more time Why What shift? industry the is it “I that time the tell people all ifthey course owners with generation the of playersnew and ultimately benefiting .” d n rou lunch or right after work for aquick that allows to them come out during jobs more efficientlyfrom home and thatcould be people are doing their just getting started. of Iguess part it for years others several while may be to game the after away being from it faces.Some maynew coming be back said. “In general, we’re alot seeing of definitely younger seeing folks,” Bezy lot more golfers out there and we’re players on respective their courses. an increase overall inthe number of reasons courses why are local seeing commitment one could be of the Aside from potentially attracting “It like surethere seem are does a playing shorter rounds but it’s really attractingbe more golfers to game. the therapeutic for them.” truly can(holes), be experience the a little bit by three maybewalking can get out on acourse, evenfor just tional exposure to game. the If people of time,”period Kolarz said. ably getting more reps over ashorter playing more of they’re them, prob- people are playing shorter rounds but reps inorder to build more and skill if themselves. could possibly golfers evenbenefit ment toward shorter rounds of golf additional rounds played, amove - IN-35072435 “It appeal the of be could partially variables several could thinks Bezy “It’s to have good also that addi- “With any you sport, want more $ www.greensburgcountryclub.com More value for your gol ng experience. Head Professional Kurt Balser (812)663-2229 5 Posted Green Fees OFF coupon. Onecoupon golfer. per Call Shop at theGolf 812-663-2229andmention this Coupon presented mustbe at timeofpurchase. time to be in the golf inthe totime be business.” year,”lier this said. “It’s Bezy agood getting out ear everybody nice to see golf may on be upswing. the way were.” they knows everreturn ifthings will to the shorter rounds before COVID. Who was definitely growing interest in go summer,” this Kolarz said. “There rounds of golf continue? Will atrend toward playing shorter .” e m i t having to be seem areally good is that are who those coming to play are coming out,” he said. “All Iknow hard to pinpoint why more people “Last year and was good it’s been Regardless, indications all show that “I’m how really curious to see things However, one question remains. WEEKEND RATES: WEEKDAY AND 18 Holes withCart:18 Holes $33 withCart:18 Holes $28 Monday -Friday EXPIRES: 9-1-21 Weekends SOUTHSIDE GOLF GUIDE 2021 - 7 IN-35071664