A record number of 98,919 people were introduced to the game of golf in 2014 through Get Golf Ready, the industry’s leading introduction-to-golf program, bringing the six-year total to nearly 360,000.
PGA Professionals and facilities are also seeing the value of the program as a revenue-generator. Based on facility- estimated participant counts and consumer-estimated spending, the program has brought in an estimated $658 million in revenue for the golf industry since its implementation in 2009, including $275 million in 2014.
“The comfortable group atmosphere of Get Golf Ready is something that really appeals to the new golfer and is one of the key factors that contributes to its success,” said PGA of America President Derek Sprague. “Get Golf Ready takes the intimidation out of golf and makes learning the game affordable for the beginner, in turn developing new customers for the facility. We’re thrilled that PGA and LPGA Professionals continue to lead the way in growing the game.”
Additional statistics on Get Golf Ready’s impact in the industry are below:
- Of Get Golf Ready participants, 62 percent were female and 21 percent were people of multi-cultural backgrounds in 2014.
- In 2014, 98 percent of Get Golf Ready students said the program met or exceeded their expectations.
- Get Golf Ready students are continuing to stick with the game, with 86 percent of those surveyed in 2014 still playing and practicing, up from 79 percent in 2013.
- The average total first year participant spending among Get Golf Ready graduates has increased as the program has continued to grow, from $895 in 2009 to $1,165 in 2014.
- More students are participating in Get Golf Ready and are enjoying the game as a result. In 2014, reporting facilities averaged 37.9 students, a five percent increase from students per facility in 2013 (35.7).
Get Golf Ready offers five lessons that concentrate on basic skills, instruction and information on the Rules of Golf, etiquette and values. Participants learn techniques regarding chipping and putting, full swing and bunker play, as well as the fundamental guidelines of use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course. Many facilities offer the program starting at an affordable $99, although price varies by facility.
Capitalizing on the success of the program, the PGA of America created Get Golf Ready Power Mixers, Get Golf Ready Employee Talent Development Programs and Beyond the Green, all geared toward women and business professionals. Each program promotes Get Golf Ready as a vehicle to connect people to golf in addition to its ability to be leveraged as a professional development tool.
The Get Golf Ready Power Mixer is a golf-themed, “non-club-in-hand” networking experience held at a non-golf location, with stations hosted by local PGA and LPGA Professionals who answer questions about the game and explain the Get Golf Ready program. The Get Golf Ready Employee Talent Development Program was deployed to corporations across America, including KPMG, Reed Exhibitions, Jackson Spalding, Lexmark International, CSX Corporation and Deloitte among others. Beyond the Green is hosted in conjunction with PGA Major Championships and provides executive and young professional women with unique professional development content, a forum to learn more about the game and business of golf, networking opportunities and a behind the scenes look at a PGA Major Championship.
Consumers can learn more about the program and find a local participating facility at GetGolfReady.com, which allows users to find and register for Get Golf Ready programs by searching their state or zip code.
