Last Tuesday evening, July 21, 2009, Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) and Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA) launched the “Golf Committee” in the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Hosting more than 80 guests, the reception attendees included 6 Congressmen as well as representatives from leading organizations in the golf industry. Speakers included Jim Stracka (GolfNet & Stracka.com), Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and the committee’s chairman, Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA). The Golf Committee is a sub-committee of the Professional Sports Caucus, chaired by Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC). The Golf Committee is focused on getting more golfers from the millennium generation (ages 20-35) to play more golf. “We want to build a bridge from the social network to the golf course”, said Congressman Baca. “We are excited to work with Congress on this initiative at GolfNet and Stracka.com”, said Jim Stracka “We need to get the millennium generation out of the coffee shop and on to the golf course”.
The number of golf rounds played in the USA has been declining over the last decade as the baby boomer generation (ages 50-70) play less golf and the millennium generation has yet to adopt golf to fill the void. Golf is a $76 billion industry that employees millions of Americans. The 16,000 golf courses in the USA (all small businesses $1-3 million/year), add billions in property values to local economies. As golf courses go out of business due to lack of play, property values of the whole community decline.
This is just one of the initiatives of the Golf Committee. PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS on what golf means to you and your community:
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DerekBorden
August 20, 2010 i wonder if anyone mentioned lowering the prices of a round. People are BROKE! Can't polay golf without money... Golf is one of the most expensive sports to play. Want more people to play? Make it cheaper. Problem solved. |
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cogolfer1
May 8, 2010 If I didn't start playing golf I don't know where I'd be in life really. I've learned so much about life and sports by playing this game and have met some great people and have become great friends with some people by playing this game(And most of those friends came via Stracka!) I think if I didn't play golf right now I would not be that healthy and wouldn't have anything in life to try and achieve when I grow up. The people who created golf 500 years ago are the people who I would like to meet more than anyone and I want to thank them, Stracka, and The Golf Committee for supporting the greatest hing in life I have ever experienced. |
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DanielGarcia
May 6, 2010 so what happen? |
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aumurray
January 11, 2010 Good to see Stracka sponsor the reception. |
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ed2flowers
August 1, 2009 Hmmmmm... All Democrates - No thx |
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phifedawg
July 31, 2009 i can understand what they are trying to do. but, we'll see whether something gets accomplished from this. |
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abe00
July 31, 2009 From the conversations I'm hearing on the courses and 19th holes, the 20 to 35 demographic is struggling to come out of the gate (college) during very difficult economic times. Having 3 boys in that age group who love the sport we are very price conscience. I took my oldest (26) who is in his last year of law school and short of cash until he gets a position, to a course at $89 greens fee. That's $5 per hole, or for him $1.00 a shot. On the other hand those courses in my area offering significant discounts and specials seem to be filling up their tee times. Also, give this age group a break on weekend rates somehow, that's when they are available. The answer should not come from the government but through entrepreneurs at the courses who are willing to build a client base for the future of the sport. |
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72Wannabe
July 31, 2009 Golf is a great sport. The friendships that are made, the family relationships that are maintained, the business and social networking that are gained and the fun that is enjoyed by all through golf is tremendous. The problem at hand is how to get more golfers on the course. I don't believe the government can do this, nor should they be trying (I'm with you Bradley894). I'm tired of the government thinking they can solve all problems. On the other hand, the golfing business, in this case, golf courses, need to adjust their fees. Like any other business, when things are slow, you have to adapt and you have to be competitive. But lower prices will only bring the current golfer out more it won't necessarily bring the new golfer to the course. Only current golfers can bring new golfers to the game so invite someone to play who has never played before. |
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bradley894
July 30, 2009 me being the skeptic that i am im going to keep my mouth shut on a congressional commity forming. |
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Bradley
July 30, 2009 Myself being at the high end of the "millienum generation" (I'm 33 now) I took up the game in my mid 20's. Golf has become a great tool for me professionally to meet and maintain relationships with current clients and prospect with potential new ones. Personally it has given me the chance to get away from the office and spend time with my friends. I would tell anyone in my age group that golf is enriching both aspects of my life. |
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pjcedog
July 29, 2009 I think making an effort to get more of this generations sports stars playing golf would help. Maybe also have events where beginners are welcome, tournaments for beginners, that include a brief free instruction period before play starts. These would have to be low cost affairs at decent golf courses or no one will go. Also, more sensible fees would help. If golf courses want to stay in business they need to lower fees. |
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dday39
July 29, 2009 In my area, the elitist attitude can be shouldered partly by some of the courses. Sure I play daily fee courses, but when money is tight (as it is in this economy), I have to sometimes venture to some courses that aren't very well maintained (but the cost is low). Course conditions are as much the players responsibility as the golf courses. However, the people who play these courses fail to show the respect and etiquette the game demands. Bottom line, green fees need to come down and golfers need to treat courses better. |
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JoeVance
July 28, 2009 Hey, golf is a game for regular guys. 90% of us play daily fee courses. Good for Stracka trying to get more people playing! |
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KWehlen
July 28, 2009 That's awesome. I hope something was accomplished. :) |
