I had the opportunity to attend the 26th annual International Network of Golf conference in beautiful Heber City, Utah, this past month. ING is where the golf media and the industry connects. 
Writers, manufactures, and marketing companies make this a must-attend event thanks to networking and sharing new and innovative approaches to grow the game. This year’s event was no exception.
Several companies I met there had a single focus: to grow the game of golf from the youth up. Nineteen percent of our current golfers are age 70 and older. How much longer will they golf? 
Five percent of current golfers are age 30 and younger. Will this millennial group grow as golfers? It’s not likely. Jack Nicklaus said, “In today’s ESPN world, a child chooses his or her sports by age 8, 9, or 10. If we don’t introduce golf before then, we will simply lose them to other sports.” Jack has 22 grandchildren. I think he knows what he’s talking about! If we choose to do nothing or continue down the path of letting our children decide without introducing them to this great sport, we’ll lose more than six million potential future golfers based on that five percent model. 
That’s billions of dollars lost, not to mention a continued loss of golf courses. So what and who is taking this challenge on? Here are just a few.
Snag Golf is an innovative product and marketing approach that I believe addresses the problem head-on. They’ve come up with golf clubs made out of plastic, sized for smaller hands and heights, with tennis-sized, Velcro golf balls that are very easy to hit. Kids ages 6 to 10 can easily swing the paddle like a putter and 8 iron equivalent to 10 to 60 yards once they’ve had their three-step lesson. 
Grips are color-coded, so they learn the proper grip right off. Targets are Velcro as well and provide a reachable successful outcome that kids and beginners love. No longer are they frustrated and confused by 50 things to remember and learn before they see their first great ball strike. Check these guys out online at snaggolf.com. Talk to your schools to see if it’s something that warrants their serious consideration in physical education. 
Their model is to introduce this into grade schools, parks, and team sports similarly to how soccer, little league, and physical education were introduced back in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Another great idea is TopGolf. These guys currently have 26 65,000-square-foot three-story driving ranges worldwide that are climate controlled and covered with lighted targets that utilize a golf ball with a chip in it to report back scores. Families, kids, teens, and everyone in between now have the perfect alternative to the perceived notion that golf is too difficult and too expensive. For only $25 to $30 per hour, six golfers can compete all year long, regardless of the weather. 
Live music entertains guests along with a menu of culinary delights served up and driven by executive chefs.
This concept directly addresses the need to make golf more fun and less time consuming. You can play in an hour or two depending on whether you decide to play 36 holes or enjoy a great meal and dance to a live band. To find out more, go to topgolf.com Their newest and largest driving range just opened in Las Vegas. I for one can’t wait to experience this total package of golfing fun.
At the conference, we played two rounds of golf and met one-on-one with each of the exhibitors. We shared ideas, product benefits, and great food and drink. Heber Valley has so much to offer us desert rats who need a break from the heat in summer and a playground in winter. Wasatch Golf and Soldier Hollow golf courses were in exceptional shape. I plan on writing a full story about their “Stay-And-Play” packages in my July article. You’ll want to consider a mini-vacation just four hours from St. George this summer, the perfect way to beat the heat and play some incredible scenic golf overlooking Mt. Timpanogos. The Swiss Alps have nothing on this place! See ya on the links.
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