Stafford, VA – For Virginia Tech’s Spring Family weekend and the University of Maryland’s Maryland Day, the Middle Atlantic PGA (MAPGA) created a “near golf” experience on campus and introduced the game of golf to over 600 people. Students, faculty members, parents and other family members tested their skills by taking a shot at BirdieBall’s inflatable dinosaur called “GolfZilla” and hitting miniature tennis balls with SNAG Golf equipment. For nearly fifty percent of the participants, this event was their first try at swinging a golf club and hitting a ball.

This was the first time that the MAPGA ever held an on-campus “Play Golf America” event and reaching over 600 people in the first year was a success. Additionally, over 200 free lessons were provided by MAPGA Professionals who volunteered their time. These efforts are just small steps in reaching a larger golf industry goal to create 40 million golfers by the year 2020 (current population is 26 million).

“We are beginning to touch on a demographic that is going to be successful in the future and is also looking for recreational opportunities following college graduation,” states Mike Aldrich, PGA Professional and Regional Player Development Manager for the PGA of America, “and we want golf to be a part of their future.” Aldrich adds “a number of university golf courses reside within the Middle Atlantic geographic area and from this introductory experience our hope is that the PGA staff at these facilities will look to the general campus population as their target market for creating more golfers.”

To view a video re-cap of the on-campus events, please click on the links below:

Virginia Tech: http://youtu.be/WqMG3bbdvvU?t=3m14s

University of Maryland: http://youtu.be/7oFCC4iI0L4

About the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America

The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA (MAPGA), located in Stafford, Virginia, is one of 41 Sections of The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As a part of The PGA since 1925, the MAPGA consists of over 1,100 members and apprentices in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Together, the MAPGA golf professionals, volunteers and staff support the mission of The PGA to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to the game’s growth by providing services to PGA Professionals and the golf industry.

New York's Metropolitan PGA Section and SNAG Golf form partnership

New Loveland course hopes to SNAG new golfers

Source: http://www.reporterherald.com/news/loveland-local-news/ci_20553899/new-loveland-course-hopes-snag-new-golfers-video

Tradition dictates that there are lots of rules when it comes to golf.

Some tell a player where they must tee their shots, others stipulate how many people can play in a group at a time and more still say what a golfer should wear or to what decibel level their voices can max out.

OK, so that last one's not entirely true, but the idea supports the notion that the sport is somewhat exclusive, lifelong golfers such as Steve Southard will tell you.

Only 9 percent, or more than 28 million, of the roughly 312 million people in this nation play golf, said Southard, Loveland's golf operations manager, and that percentage has dropped between 1 and 2 percent annually since 2002.

Southard wants to see a fundamental shift in the way that golf becomes more accessible to the "91 percent," and he thinks that can be accomplished when the city opens in July its fourth golf course. But this likely won't look like any golf course you've seen before. No, those involved with the project are saying it's the nation's first, dedicated SNAG golf course.

What is SNAG golf?

"It's definitely not a putt-putt (course) with windmills and clowns," said Jim Dargis, PGA professional at Cattail Creek Golf Course next to which the SNAG course is going in. "It's a shrunk down little golf course."

And sure enough, it is. Seeds have become thin wisps of new grass that will become fully-fledged greens on nine holes at a scaled-down course. Set along 29th Street, adjacent to the driving range at Cattail Creek, organizers hope the SNAG course will draw curious people ages 4 to 98, Southard and Dargis hope.

What is SNAG? The acronym stands for Starting New at Golf, a fairly recent system designed to get players of any age playing golf -- in this case, a simplified version with fewer rules and modified equipment.

"It's not just for kids," Southard said. "What we're doing, we're focusing on all nongolfers."

Instead of clubs made from steel or graphite, players swing specially sized plastic clubs with oversized primary colored heads and names such as launcher -- this one will make the ball airborne -- and roller, the one used to putt the ball along the ground.

The "golf balls" are small, limited-flight tennis balls that stick to the velcro on the base of a flagsticky (Yes, that's the real term.) that replaces the traditional "hole." SNAG golfers learn the four fundamentals of the game: putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing.

'Knocking down barriers'

A grandfather who plays golf, for example, could take his two grandchildren to play a round one afternoon in about 45 minutes to an hour, Dargis said. He could bring along his true putter while the children play SNAG. The experience would cost $5 per person; it's $2 more per person to rent equipment.

"We're going to knock down all the barriers," Southard said of the traditionally high cost of playing golf. The duo also hopes the new course will entice more children to get involved with Junior Golf, the city's long-standing league for children 6 to 18.

While Southard didn't reveal the total cost of the course -- construction isn't yet complete -- he assured that no taxpayer dollars will fund the project. The golf courses, similar to the city's Water and Power department, is an enterprise fund, meaning that fees paid to the courses generate revenue.

Leaning Thursday morning on the wooden fence near the SNAG course, irrigation tech Kathe Miller said she's not a "golfer" by any means -- she's played maybe twice a year each of the 20 years she's worked at the golf courses. But she's thrilled by the idea of SNAG.

"Oh, I think it's going to be a blast," she said.

Loveland resident Sandy Sanderson took a break from hitting golf balls at the range to say he's going to bring his nine grandchildren out as soon as the course is finished.

"I know they want this course to be open," he said, grinning.

Jim Dargis, left, PGA golf professional at Cattail Creek Golf Course, and Steve Southard, golf operations manager at the course, pose for a photo Thursday holding equipment used in SNAG golf. SNAG stands for starting new at golf and they hope plan to open a SNAG course in July. ( Jenny Sparks )

Golf Oklahoma Magazine 

April/May 2012 Issue 

"SNAGed, More Fun Means More Golfers" 

By Ken MacLeod

One company poised to benefit greatly from the PGA of America’s renewed focus on growth of the game is Oklahoma-based SNAG (Start New at Golf).

Although discussions are ongoing as to whether the PGA is going to officially endorse SNAG, it mentioned the company prominently in Golf 2.0 and Darrell Crall, director of Golf 2.0, said the PGA regards SNAG as an ideal format to introduce golf to children as young as 3-4 years old.

“SNAG provides a step-by-step curriculum on how to teach golf to kids and its professionals are world-class,” Crall said. “Going into first- and second-grade classes to try to teach golf to kids can be very intimidating, but SNAG has a program that works. We’re proud of all their efforts and glad to have them associated with the PGA.”

SNAG, which uses colorful oversize clubs, Velcro targets and balls similar to a tennis ball, has been used successfully by Holley Hair at Tee Town Golf Ranch in Broken Arrow for years, but is just now beginning to catch on statewide.

Terry Anton, who runs SNAG worldwide from his home office in Tahlequah, is glad to see the program catching fire in the U.S. It has been a huge hit in Japan, China, Brazil and other overseas markets.

“If we can reach kids when they are 5 and 6, we are inculcating them about golf and many will fall in love with the game,” he said. “There’s not a golf course out there that can bring in 1,800 new kids to the game, but the school system can. How did soccer proliferate? You had the large associations raise their voice and suddenly 100,000 soccer facilities were built in the U.S.

“We have 27 million people playing golf. With SNAG, we can put 100 kids on a course at 8 a.m. and you’ll never know they were there. All we need is a field or park. We spent five years developing golf’s version of T-Ball, we call it G-Ball. We started with 15 communities and now have 800 participating.

In addition to programs like the First Tee, SNAG can be ideal for courses as well. Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond will be using SNAG this year. The Norman Junior Golf Association, formed by the head professionals of Jimmie Austin OU Golf Course, Belmar Country Club, The Trails Country Club and Westwood Park Golf Course, is attempting to raise $18,000 to purchase SNAG equipment that will be used in every elementary school in Norman.

Frank Thompson, athletic director for the Norman Public Schools, has already approved the plan and the pros along with SNAG rep John Flores have met with teachers and physical education instructors to introduce them to the game. The hope is that by having SNAG in the elementary schools, our four courses will benefit down the line.

“We’re competitors, but we all agree this is good for us all,” said Charles Candler, head professional at Belmar. The other pros who have set up the association include Rodney Young at Jimmie Austin, David Lisle at Westwood Park and Alan Hager at The Trails.

The pros began the association in 2011 with middle-school participants and have plans to add a high-school division, four U.S. Kids tournaments and a season-ending junior tournament as well.

One of the best advocates for SNAG is Holley Hair. She has been helping the Broken Arrow elementary schools with their programs as well as teaching it at Tee Town for four years.

“SNAG is like Putt Putt on steroids,” Hair said. “The kids love it. They get to move around, chase their own balls and have fun. They don’t have to be quiet or do a lot of repetition. But they do learn the fundamentals. The cues that they learn are simple; they remember them. When pros later teach kids who have come up through SNAG, they don’t have to spend much time on the grip, stance and posture.”

Hair said with the PGA’s recent blessing she expects the game to take off here much like it has in Asia. It can be used for tournaments or leagues as well as instruction.

“You don’t have to be at a real golf course. You can use it in a playground, gym, church. Churches have huge areas and youth groups are always looking for something to do.”

Soccer, practically unheard of when many of us were growing up, is now the model for other sports to follow. One large Oklahoma recreational club has experienced an average of 9.3 percent growth for the past decade, resulting in a phenomenal increase of 114 percent. Meanwhile, golf participation among adults has plummeted, and at least part of that is because parents are spending their Saturdays watching soccer.

To combat that, Anton said SNAG leagues have to become commonplace in park and recreation departments and schools.

“We’re trying to do things that open the door to golf for everybody,”: he said.

 Click on the icon above or go to:

http://www.facebook.com/StartingNewAtGolf

Barbara Tulipane, President & CEO of the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA, nrpa.org/) speak on how SNAG® ('Starting New At Golf') has the opportunity to grow the game of golf in every community in the United States through our park system.

Over the past 10 years, SNAG® ('Starting New At Golf') has built the premier first-touch learning system recognized by industry leaders around the world as the superior method to teach golf fundamentals in a fun and easy way to people of all ages and ability levels.

SNAG® Golf has partnered with NRPA to grow the game of golf through SNAG®'s flagship golf development program "G-Ball". G-Ball can be played in existing fields around the park and rec facilities and can be taught by parent coaches as the program is easy to implement. NRPA awarded $180,000 in grants to 15 park and recreation agencies in the U.S. to pilot the new SNAG® G-Ball program in 2011—in order to connect youth to the outdoors, and increase engagement in golf and recreational sports.

To learn more about G-Ball, please visit: snaggolf.com/gball.html

The mission of the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation is to provide opportunity for children and adults with family based health, fitness, education and inclusion programs delivered through family golf activities.

 The Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation, in partnership with the PGA of America and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition delivers programs in the USA through Lorena’s Links Community Programs, In-School/Parks & Recreation programs utilizing SNAG Golf, and at official Lorena’s Links golf facilities.  The Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation journey is one to a healthier, educated, happier and included life for the entire family.  We at SNAG are proud to help support their mission of connecting the links from golf to health, education, inclusion, family and happiness.

The Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation reaches out to children and families through Lorena’s Links.  A three-tiered program, Lorena’s Links outreach activities include fitness programs for all ages, healthy cooking classes, computer learning courses and many other activities designed to enhance the health, wellness, education and inclusion of the entire family. 

 Their first outreach program is a Community Golf Program they take to public events such as fairs, festivals, malls, stadiums and any other places people gather.   At these events they provide families with a short introductory golf experience with PGA and LPGA Professionals. 

 Their second outreach program is their In-School/Parks & Recreation Program.  The Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation has partnered with SNAG Golf to bring the benefits of golf directly to children and adults who may not otherwise be able to participate.  LOGF and SNAG customize programs for each school, park and community recreation center and LOGF trains the schools and parks & rec staffs to conduct the programs.  Their train-the-trainers program virtually eliminates all costs for the school and parks & rec districts making it possible for the children and families to enjoy and be included in the benefits of golf.  Their partner PGA and LPGA professionals make regular visits to continue staff training and also spend time with the children and families.  Additionally, they attach mentor programs for the children to ensure they have positive adult role models actively participating in their lives.  This mentor program takes place at the schools, parks and community recreation centers and also at regularly scheduled field trips for the children and families to Lorena’s Links golf facilities.

There are many benefits for Schools and Park/Rec facilities to be involved in this Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation outreach program as the LOGF staff will:

1) Utilize the ‘Starting New at Golf’ curriculum and modified equipment to instruct the fundamentals of golf to new learners

2) Train the staff that will conduct the regular session

3) Provide ongoing training

4) Create a relationship with a local golf course so the kids may take regular supervised visits to the course

5) Work with the golf course to create a program the kids and their families can participate in on their own time

6)  Develop a mentor program for the kids so they may have a positive adult influence in their lives to help bridge the entry into a new environment. 

7)  Develop a fundraising activity for the school/park & rec so they can raise the funds needed for the SNAG equipment and program.

The third focus area take place at Lorena’s Links golf facilities that are specially trained to WELCOME, ENGAGE and RETAINthe children and adults of the visiting families.  Lorena’s Links provide opportunities for families to learn and play golf in a fun, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.  While enjoying golf at the facilities they will be introduced to health, fitness and education programs for all ages included in the experience. 

For more information, contact:

Jason Taylor, Executive Director
Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation
(951) 712-­7843
jtpga@pga.com
www.lorenaslinks.org

To say that Jack Nicklaus needs no introduction to golfers or even sports fans would be the greatest understatement of the year. "The Golden Bear" has won 18 major golf championships while amassing 115 professional wins in his celebrated career. His place in golf history as the greatest player ever, seems pretty secure for now and decades to come.

Nicklaus was an eight time PGA Tour leading money winner. He was a five time PGA Tour player of the year. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. Nicklaus has received the Bob Jones Award, the Payne Stewart Award and the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award for humanitarian contributions in and out of golf.

My path crossed Jack's for the first time in the winter of 2011 when several of us spoke to him about being a spokesperson for Golf 2.0, an industry wide player development initiative spearheaded by the PGA of America. Jack embraced the idea and it was pretty evident that he welcomed the challenge of doing something for the betterment of the game.

Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, have 21 grandchildren. Only one of those grandkids plays golf. At age 72, Jack is very aware of the hurdles and distractions that families often times face when it comes to finding time to play the sport that he dominated for decades. Nicklaus understands that the perceived time commitment associated with golf has got to change in order to attract new players to the game.

Last summer, he instituted a couple of totally unconventional ideas at two of his premier golf facilities. There are no finer golf destinations in this country than Muirfield Village in Dublin, OH and The Bear's Club in West Palm Beach, FL. These are traditional private clubs and Nicklaus devised a 12-hole routing plan at each course that allowed golfers to play "six, six and twelve" versus the traditional two nines and 18 holes. His goal was to shorten the time it takes to play.

"Twelve holes is about all I am interested in playing myself," smiles Jack when he talks about the concept. "Many women enjoy the six-hole concept. It's faster and less strenuous."

Nicklaus refers to himself as one of the staunchest traditionalists in golf history, so when he introduced an 8-inch cup for a day at Murfield Village and the Bear's Club last summer it was monumental. The official diameter of a golf hole is 4.25 inches and Jack gave his golfers a hole twice the size as the regulation cup. Players loved the novel idea, although one golfer quipped, "You can still miss 'em on the edge."

Over the last few months, Jack has continued to explore unconventional ways to attract and keep players in the game. A couple of weeks ago, we met at the Bear's Club and he was presented an idea promoting forward tees for family and beginning golf. Upon seeing the concept, he ordered the forward markers for both Muirfield Village and the Bear's Club.

Nicklaus didn't stop there. He has instructed his design teams to institute the concept on all new courses that Nicklaus design builds. I wouldn't be surprised if he sends a memo to all Nicklaus designed courses in the U.S. and encourages them to install these forward tees.

Last week, several of us met in Jack's office at West Palm Beach to discuss the idea of bringing the 12-hole concept to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The idea was born out of a discussion that Ian Baker-Finch, former British Open champion and CBS commentator, had with me at the Grand Slam Pro-Am a couple of years ago. Finch and I presented our case study to Jack, the all-time major champion, and he offered ideas and opinions on how players, television and viewers would perceive the concept.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features the four major championship winners in a 36-hole format each fall at Port Royal in Bermuda. We are still working out the details, but the fact that we even discussed a monumental format change like this was in large part because of Jack Nicklaus.
It is Jack's hope that facilities and operators around the United States will follow his lead and embrace some of these new concepts. While I certainly can't play like Nicklaus, I can at least think like him! Here are some of the new programs that we will be introducing in 2012 at The Legends Golf Club.

- Offer 6-hole and 12-hole rates on our championship 27-holes.
- Forward tees with Level 1 9-hole yardage of 1,530 and Level 2 9-hole yardage of 2,070.
- Offer a 6-hole SNAG golf course for entry level players (adults and kids) with fees under $5.
- Create an hourly family rate for hitting balls, playing our par three course or SNAG course.
- Add a new Men's Club event utilizing the proposed Grand Slam of Golf format.

It has been my privilege to serve as the PGA's spokesman for Get Golf Ready. This program allows the consumer to sign up for five 1.5 hour lessons from a PGA professional for a cost of only $99. Each instructional session includes an "on course" experience where the players actually get to play on the course. Get Golf Ready classes can be tailored to all types of players- beginning women, kids, senior men, accomplished players, couples, etc.

The most compelling statistic regarding Get Golf Ready is that 84% of those who take all five of the instructional sessions- stay in the game as golfers. Nicklaus liked that and he has also endorsed the program at his facilities.

Jack Nicklaus has given golfers of all ages many memories for a lifetime. Who can forget that image of him holing a putt on the 17th green at the 1986 Masters and CBS' Verne Lundquist exclaiming, "Yes Sir!"

For me, my best memories of Jack will be sitting around a table and talking about ways to grow the game of golf. Thanks, Jack!