Inside Golf House

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a fundraising gala organized by our partners at the Golf Association of Ontario.

The event – which also celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the amalgamated GAO as the governing body for both men’s and women’s golf in the province – was held in support of Callaway Golf for Kids, an affiliate program of the National Golf in Schools program.

Congratulations to the GAO on a wonderful evening – it was a great opportunity to catch up with many friends in the industry and raise money for a tremendous program.

In addition to the clubs, golfers and wide variety of golf industry stakeholders on hand at Eagles Nest Golf Club, the keynote speaker was none other than LPGA legend and World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam.

Having stepped away from competitive play to raise a family, Annika entertained with stories from her time on the LPGA Tour and her personal insights on the current state of the game.

Golf for Kids and the National Golf in Schools program represent a tremendous opportunity to get more kids playing the sport. It was inspiring to hear Annika – a longtime Callaway ambassador and strong proponent for increased physical activity for our youth – applaud the program’s ability to get more children active through golf.

She also talked about golf’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics and what it could mean for the global growth of our sport. Interesting to hear a legend’s take on what the Olympics could mean for golf and the impactful role that golf heroes have in the growth of our sport. (An interesting side note to the evening and thrill for many of us that night was seeing Annika alongside Canada’s own World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit – competitive icons that personify humility and grace.)

Developing our most talented athletes and creating the future heroes of Canadian golf are a principal focus of the provincial player development programs as well as the Team Canada high performance program. National and provincial partners working hand in hand with PGA of Canada professionals to provide a support system that allows this country’s most promising athletes to represent Canada successfully on golf’s world stage.

Among the many highlights from the fundraising gala was the introduction of a new GAO award in honour of a Canadian golf legend, Mr. Dick Grimm. At 88 years young, the longtime face of the Canadian Open is about as well respected as anyone in the Canadian golf industry.

In celebrating Golf For Kids and the National Golf in Schools program, Dick spoke about a fundamental issue impacting the future growth of our game – access. Developing programs and introducing children to golf through the elementary school system is an important first step. From there, it’s critical that our industry – administrators, courses and PGA of Canada professionals alike – find a way to cultivate that exposure to golf into a passion for the game.

Dick’s message that night was simple and direct – we as an industry need to provide youngsters with affordable access to the game of golf. His opinion is one that I share wholeheartedly, and hearing him share his advice was the highlight of my evening.

It’s about getting kids into the pipeline of Canadian golf. Making them feel welcome at facilities, fueling their interest at the club level through programs like CN Future Links Learn to Play or Take a Kid to the Course and watching their interest in the sport take shape. These are the future customers – members and public player – that our industry so desperate needs.

Golf clubs need to embrace children as the future of our sport and provide free or affordable access to the game. We need to eliminate any obstacles that might prevent them from joining Canada’s golf community.

Engagement. Access. Changing our philosophy. Dick’s opinion on golf in this country matters. He’s incredibly well respected and very much in tune with the challenges facing our sport.

Here’s hoping that the room full of industry stakeholders celebrating grassroots golf can somehow act on his sagely advice – what better way to honour a legend.