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Social Buttons      Golf industry seeks ways to increase number of golfers. What about SNAG?February 29th, 2012 10:48am - Posted By: Travelgolf.com blog article author: Katharine Dyson
The blog article below was published at www.travelgolf.com by a well respected golf writer, Katharine Dyson. Katharine is a golf and travel writer for several national publications as well as guidebook author and radio commentator. Source: http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/katharine.dyson/2012/02/18/golf-industry-seeks-ways-to Author: Katharine Dyson
Golf industry seeks ways to increase number of golfers. What about SNAG? Having just returned from Florida, it is evident hotels and resorts are not full while championship courses have open tee times. Good news for golfers, not so good for the golf and travel industry. Ever since the downturn in the economy, typically named culprit for this sad state of affairs, golf gurus have been searching for ways to turn things around. At the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, a high profile panel including Jack Nicklaus, PGA of American CEO Joe Steranka, USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and others, addressed a large audience with yet another new plan designed to build the game: Golf 2.0 (which might better be called something like “Golf 4 Future"). The lofty goal: to have 40 million players by 2020 up from today’s 26 million. Sure you can blame the economy but Nicklaus struck a note when he said, “Since 2006 we have lost 23 percent of women and 36 percent of kids, an astonishing number. How do we get them back? My kids don’t play golf any more. They’re going to parks, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, baseball – everything but golf. Why can’t we go to parks on a Saturday morning and play in a golf league?” Good point.
Like an old saw, there were a lot of initiatives thrown out there, good common sense ideas. Darrell Crall, PGA Senior Director of Golf 2.0, had put together key ways to increase rounds like making the game more fun, more affordable, less time consuming and building easier or “bunny slope” golf courses for beginners. To be fair, there are a few flurries in the works like a grant project to pay architects for their travel expenses when they voluntarily consult with existing courses to make them more user-friendly like adding a few short holes and expanding the driving ranges. Like Nicklaus said, “When I’m asked when a kid should take up golf, I tell them when he (or she) can play three holes without chasing a frog.” But you’ve got to wonder, is this where financially stressed clubs will put their money in light of other capital improvements on the drawing boards like a new bar or pro shop? There is also a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bring in pros or instructors to teach youngsters to play the fun way but with initial funding for just 50 clubs, it seems like a drop in the proverbial bucket. As Steranka said, “If families are going to spend time and money, they are just looking for some good old fashioned fun.” He suggested, setting aside times and places for families and beginners to play as well as making instruction more accessible and affordable. The only solid product I saw at the show with hopes to turn around the game is SNAG (Starting New at Golf) which is already huge in Japan. Since SNAG can be set up anywhere – in parks, backyards, gyms – parks & rec departments are lining up to add SNAG to their programs. “Our parks sign up 1000s of kids for various programs every year. Up to now, they could participate in every sport except golf,” said Nancy Logan, Sr. Manager National Partnerships at National Recreation & Park Association. “For the first time, golf can be part of the P&Rs program and there is a huge demand for it. When we announced $180,000 in grants would be available for SNAG, more than 200 P&Rs wanted it, but initially we only had money for just 15 P&Rs. We hope to increase that.” Every element SNAGsters (golfers) need to learn the game is included in the SNAG system from the colorful modified score card to two clubs (Launcher and Roller), three SNAG Balls, Flagsticky and cloth bag. SNAGsters hit the ball to a target or Flagsticky where a hook fabric causes the balls to stick on impact. How fun is that! Developing a proper grip is easy with the five-sided grip and color-coded clues telling you where to place your hands. Other SNAG training tools help develop additional skills like pitching and swing path. Snaggolf.com So there is hope but first you have to “snag” a lot of new golfers including kids, women and beginners. Pros can think about adding SNAG to their corporate events and like parks & recs, schools can add it to their programs. Once new golfers understand how much fun it is, they can move on to play on local munis and eventually join a public league or private course. That’s looking ahead. Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +Home on the Range Hits a Home RunFebruary 21st, 2012 9:30am - Posted By: Todd Mordhorst, Auburn Journal
Phil Green (Home on the Range Golf Instruction & Practice Range located in Newcastle, CA) is a Huge SNAG fan...check out this article that was released in the Auburn Journal where Phil really speaks to the versatility for all ages/abilities to have a FUN and inexpensive golf experience with SNAG. For more information on Home on the Range please visit their website at http://www.homeontherangegolf.com/ Auburn Journal article Making golf a colorful course Home on the Range adds SNAG program as teaching By Todd Mordhorst Journal Sports Editor NEWCASTLE — Decked out in his golf pro attire, Phil Green might look a little goofy swinging the bright, multi-colored, plastic golf club and hitting a purple ball that looks like a miniature tennis ball. But the owner of Home on the Range is sold on SNAG, a learning tool for golfers of all ages — so much so that he has set up a nine-hole course at his driving range. “I’ve been using it in schools for 11 years now,” Green said of SNAG, which stands for Starting New At Golf. “But it’s great for people who would like to get out and play golf, but might be intimidated by it. It’s really fun for date night, or seniors who aren’t able to go out and play nine holes on a full-size course.” SNAG was designed as a teaching tool, mainly for children. The oversized club heads, squared-off, color-coordinated grips and oversized balls make it easy for even first-timers to get the hang of hitting the ball. Portable tees are used to launch the balls, which can fly 60 yards with a full swing. The targets are Velcro-covered cones. The SNAG equipment was perfect for Green’s purposes. He’s conducted clinics and classes at schools throughout the area and started a golf team at E.V. Cain Middle School last year. This summer, he will have a series of youth camps and clinics through the Auburn Recreation District at Home on the Range. Most of the time, Home on the Range is a standard driving range. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and all day Saturdays, it transforms into what Green said is the world’s only SNAG golf course. The short, straight-forward layout allows groups to play a round in about half an hour. “I think it’s the same feeling as playing disc golf or mini-golf,” Green said. “Probably a little more like disc golf because it requires a full swing on most holes.” There are no delicately manicured greens or neat fairways. But the $5 green fee is tough to beat and the feel of the club is shockingly similar to the real thing. “It plays just like you’re playing a nine-hole course,” Green added. “It’s got all the aspects of traditional golf. If you don’t hit the green, you’re chipping. We’ve had a 13-month-old just walking who came out and played and an 85-year-old has gone out on the course.”
Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +Can we call you SNAG BOB!?February 6th, 2012 10:50am - Posted By: Tiffanie
Sir Robert James Charles (Sir Bob), is a New Zealand professional golfer whose achievements over five decades rank him among the most successful left-handed golfers of all time, being the first lefty to win a golf major, winning more than 70 titles, and beating his age twice during a tournament as a 71 year-old. Charles is a sporting hero in New Zealand, not only for his achievements but also for his demeanour and philanthropy regarding junior golfers. He was also a role model worldwide for left-handed golfers. Charles was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth in 1972 and advanced to Commander in the same Order in 1992. He became Sir Bob Charles in 1999 when made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. To learn more about Sir Bob, click HERE.
Here is what Sir Bob has to say about SNAG® Golf: " Starting new at golf is an introduction to the game which has been my life for over sixty years. Golf is a game of a lifetime and I would encourage all children, from the age of five, to give SNAG a try. SNAG can be enjoyed by all, parents with children, as well as, grandparents with grandchildren and a wonderful extra curricular activity for schools. From achieving the perfect grip with its five sides, to learning to roll the ball with the 'roller' or launching the ball with the 'launcher' SNAG is above all fun. The 'roller' can be used indoors and the 'launcher' even on the beach and can be enjoyed by all. Along with many instructional concepts SNAG could be an introduction to the game of golf for champions of the future." ~ Sir Bob Charles
To see more pics of Sir Bob using SNAG® please visit our Facebook photo album at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150559763510369.377863.113101870368&type=1 Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +Growing Golf in NYFebruary 6th, 2012 10:14am - Posted By: Tim Keegan
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO WATCH THE VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/748yto3 Growing Golf in NY! A great video that shows The First Tee program using SNAG Golf to bring golf skills, life skills, physical activity, and FUN to kids in schools!Some youngsters at School Two in Rochester got a first-hand lesson in one of the world's oldest sports. The game of golf is making its way through districts thanks to the the New York State Golf Association. The program is being expanded statewide. The New York State Golf Association says 10 schools in Albany will receive exposure to golf this year. Last year, 16 Rochester schools were visited by the program. Most of these kids have never been exposed to golf before and they are now getting the chance to experience it firsthand. Once the kids experience that golf is fun and they are having success they are then encouraged to continue playing and building their skills. Let's Grow This Game!
Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +SNAG® was HOT HOT HOT at the 2012 PGA ShowFebruary 2nd, 2012 2:54pm - Posted By: Tiffanie
There has been an amazing amount of excitement and enthusiasm from Pros at the PGA Show this year. We have had LOTS of great media this year as well!! There will be more in the days, weeks, and months to come but here are some initial highlights: (I have added most of these to our Twitter and Facebook pages but PLEASE feel free to spread them throughout your networks as well!!)
Golf Club Business: http://www.golfclubbusiness.com/index.php?showtopic=33330 Golf Week: http://golfweek.com/news/2012/jan/25/demo-day-blog-snag-ideal-beginners/ (includes article and video from done by John on Demo Day) Golf Digest: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2012-01/photos-pga-merchandise#slide=10 (Sticky Suit named one of the Top 12 Coolest Things At the PGA Show, other items things like socks and golf shirts, we really stood out as looking unique and FUN) Golf.com: http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2012/01/scenes-from-demo-day-snag-golf.html (Blog and Video of Sticky Suit from Demo Day)
Golfmix.com: http://youtu.be/cEPxrS9tgFc (SNAG Canada distributor, David Shein, talking SNAG)
Thank you to all of you for your hard work and dedication in helping SNAG to grow the game! Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +SNAG® Golf used for Boys and Girls Clubs of America pilot programFebruary 2nd, 2012 12:48pm - Posted By: Tiffanie
We are excited by the success of using the SNAG® Golf Coaching System for the pilot program with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America conducted by the PGA and USGA to help grow and develop junior golf nationwide!!
It is encouraging to see that all four of the pilot sites used the SNAG® Golf Coaching System to get kids involved in golf and they all had positive results. Kirk Douglas, Player Development division of the PGA of America, trained the instructors at each of the four Boys and Girls Clubs on how to use the SNAG® Golf Coaching System.
The pilot program allowed the kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs the chance to learn the basics of golf in a FUN, engaging, and safe way using SNAG® (Starting New At Golf) equipment and programming. SNAG® Golf is used globally to teach beginning golfers of all ages the fundamentals of the game. To learn more about how to instruct new learners using SNAG® Golf Coaching System please visit www.snagpros.com.
Official Press Release below:
PGA OF AMERICA, USGA AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA TEAM UP
"Official Youth Development Partner" of The PGA and USGA to Introduce Golf to the Boys & Girls Clubs' Network of 4 Million Kids Nationwide
ATLANTA and PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - As part of a historic long-term strategic alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) was announced today as an "Official Youth Development Partner" of The PGA of America and United States Golf Association (USGA). With programming to launch in 2012, this partnership with the BGCA will impact the lives of youth across America through the introduction of the game of golf.
"The PGA of America is extremely proud to join hands with Boys & Girls Clubs of America," said PGA President Allen Wronowski. "There are 2.5 million kids currently playing golf nationwide, and through this partnership, we want to share the fun of golf with more of America's children. Our missions are positively aligned, as we work together to help kids achieve academic success, build character and develop healthy lifestyles through golf."
"The USGA has a longstanding commitment to supporting programs that introduce the game of golf and the fun and the skills it offers to our nation's young people," said USGA President Jim Hyler. "We are very pleased to team up with The PGA of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America on this ambitious new program, continuing our commitment to make a difference in the lives of young people throughout the country."
Based on a successful pilot project first tested in 2010, the new partnership will feature golf programming and instruction taught by PGA Professionals, along with support from Boys & Girls Clubs' staff and community volunteers. The program is expected to roll out next year at 50 BGCA sites, hosting between 50 and 100 kids each. The goal is to introduce golf to tens of thousands of kids nationwide.
The bulk of the program will take place at Boys & Girls Clubs facilities, where the PGA Sports Academy curriculum and activities will be utilized to provide introductory experiences. The PGA Sports Academy combines golf skills and physical fitness in high energy activities that focus on play, as well as instruction. The Club members will enjoy field trips to local golf courses and additional programs will be developed, including low-cost course access for those kids who want to continue to take their new-found interest in golf to the next level.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of America is thrilled to partner with The PGA of America and USGA," said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We are very excited about this amazing opportunity for local PGA Professionals to connect with our Clubs, and teach our members how to enjoy and play the game of golf. Just as importantly, we know that our Club members will gain invaluable life skills as they learn all about this great sport."
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need support the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The goal of the new golf program is to expand across the BGCA's 1,100 local affiliates, which operate more than 4,000 clubhouses that serve approximately 4 million youth nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
About The PGA of America
About the USGA
Contacts: Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 1 Comment(s) | Rating: 4 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google +Jack Nicklaus/ Boys & Girls Club use SNAG® Golf to kick off PGA Show!February 2nd, 2012 10:52am - Posted By: Tiffanie
Picture: Jack Nicklaus, Ken Griffey Jr., Boys & Girls Club members, and PGA executives officially kicked off the 2012 PGA Show using our SNAG® Golf equipment. The SNAG® Player Paks given to them by the PGA were very special as they had the PGA of America colors and logo.
PGA of America President, Allen Wronowski, introduced two Central Florida branch members of the Boys & Girls Club of America (Thomas Brenard and Phoenix Walker) to offically kick off the 2012 PGA Show "in Golf 2.0 fashion” by using SNAG® Golf equipment. Thomas and Phoenix both used a SNAG® Golf Launcher to hit SNAG® Balls into the crowd. To see a video of the PGA Show Opening Ceremony with Jack Nicklaus/ Boys & Girls Club members hitting SNAG® Golf Balls off stage into the crowd go to http://bit.ly/xn847H (minute 8:30) Posted in: NoneView / Add Comment | 0 Comment(s) | Rating: 0 of 5 | Share: Twitter, Facebook, Google + |
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