Golf is not that old of a game, yet it is gripped by a strong attachment to “Tradition”. Unfortunately, golf traditions stifle growth because they are hurting its ability to attract new players.Â
Golf Traditions Stifle Growth
According to Greg Nathan with the NGF, traditional golf is:
- An escape from everyday life
- An escape from the tech connected world
- A real relationship experience
- Walking the course
- I’ll add one more, a male environment, a men’s activity.
These golf traditions severely limit golf’s ability for growth. Women feel uncomfortable and younger men don’t like the environment.
New Golf Players
Therefor changing golf’s environment is a topic of conversation at many courses. Shouldn’t a business adapt to what its customers or prospective customers want? Arrogantly clinging to a failing model is the kiss of death.
There are many ways to innovate and attract new golf players. By now most of you will have heard of FootGolf, Disc Golf, and Fling Golf, larger cups, etc. It may be a good idea to integrate those games on your existing course. Some courses actively try to attract female players by offering a “Ladies Game” or tournament, and that seems to attract new players.
According to Nathan, traditional golf is seen by the youngsters as a, “a fun-free zone where the largest generation in American history feels unwelcomed.” Let’s rectify that situation! To attract the younger generation, you can invent new golf activities using technology. We heard of a player that was challenging a player in another country to an online skins match. You can also award your players that post a video of great swing moments after it happens. Maybe they’ll be Skyping their game to friends playing another course or a couple of holes ahead. This is what younger players want. To avoid their demand is to chase them into other activities.
Integrating Technology with Golf
Things are changing that will change the Superintendents’ world as well. Nathan says the next innovation is the ‘connected cart’. Picture a WiFi network with monitors and Bluetooth speakers on every cart. Younger players can then connect with the world, play their music, etc.
So does this mean players in their connected cart will want to see real-time updates about roll speeds and course conditions? Of course, there will be advertisements about deals in the pro shop, dinner specials, and upcoming events too! It is an interesting transition to watch.
You make an interesting point about the way that golf is seen as traditionally a male environment. I think that this can definitely cause women and younger men to stay off the golf course even thought they may like it if they gave it a try. I like your idea of a “connected” cart that has WiFi and speakers. Disc Golf is also a great sport to start paying attention to; it seems to attract a lot of young and female players. Thanks for sharing your opinions on the tradition and future of golf!
And more challenge and change remains! I am however optimist for the golf trades.