Local Knowledge

LIST YOUR GOLF LESSON/INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS ON TGA WEBSITE

We all know that learning the game of golf can be intimidating for beginners. It is one of the reasons why the Texas Golf Association has built a special hub on its website that features an easy-to-follow guide for newcomers to the game on the best ways to get started, as well as tips on how to make sure their golf journey is a long and enjoyable one.

The hub also features a link to the TGA Member Club Directory to help beginners find the right facility close to where they live or work. The online directory provides Member Clubs with the opportunity to list for free what types of golf learning or development programs they offer.

The TGA recently sent out a short survey asking you some details about your golf course, such as do you have clinics and/or leagues for beginners, do you have group and/or individual lessons for women and juniors, do you have junior camps, etc. By answering these brief questions, we can input the answers into your club profile in the online directory. Then when a golfer searches for courses in their area by zip code, all your club’s current instructional programs, initiatives, and resources will be listed to help the golfer get in touch with the facility that best suits their needs.

To complete the survey now, click here. Thank you once more for your attention to this matter. Your cooperation will help newcomers find welcoming and beginner-friendly environments, so they can relax and have fun while getting started in the game.

100 HOLE HIKE FUNDRAISER FOR YOUTH ON COURSE IN TEXAS

The 100 Hole Hike is a nationwide charitable event to help support Youth on Course (YOC), the non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of golf and the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the golf course.

The TGA Foundation oversees and funds the YOC program in Texas, which provides its members with access to rounds of golf for $5 or less at over 40 golf courses in the state, and nearly 2,000 others across the U.S. and Canada. YOC also offers summer jobs through caddie and internship programs, and access to higher education through college scholarships.

One of this year’s Individual Hikers is TGA Foundation Director Kelly Kilgo. On Oct. 10, she will take on the challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day (walking!) at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas to support YOC in Texas through pledge donations for each hole of golf she successfully plays.

Kilgo’s goal is to raise $10,000 to help expand the reach of YOC in Texas so the program can continue to create a positive impact on as many kids’ lives as possible. If you would like to donate now and help Kilgo reach her goal, click here. If you would like to learn more about YOC in Texas, click here.

NEW TEXAS GOLF HALL OF FAME CLASS TO BE INDUCTED

The Texas Golf Hall of Fame in mid-July announced six inductees for its Class of 2022. It’s the Texas Golf Hall of Fame’s 29th class to be inducted in its 44-year existence. The Texas Golf Hall of Fame biennially inducts individuals and facilities in five categories. The next election process will occur in 2024.

The newly minted 2022 Hall of Famers include: Ryan Palmer (Professional Player), Brad Elder (Amateur Player), Barney Adams (Lifetime Achievement), Gordon Johnson (Golf Professional/Teacher), Ronny Glanton (Golf Professional/Teacher) and Houston Country Club (Texas Registry of Historic Golf Courses).

The 2022 inductees join 145 individuals and 13 facilities already in the Hall of Fame.

The five individuals and Houston CC will be officially inducted on Monday, Oct. 17. The daylong celebration kicks off in the morning with the traditional Gathering of Eagles golf tournament and Texas Golf Walk of Fame marker unveiling at Brackenridge Park Golf Course. The formal induction dinner ceremony will be held later that evening at San Antonio Country Club. All festivities are open to the public.

To read more about the Texas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2022, click here. For ticket information about the Gathering of Eagles golf tournament and induction dinner, click here.

RENOVATION AS TRANSFORMATION [CMAA]

Breathing new life into clubs brings new energy, new members, and new opportunities

Undertaking capital improvements is never simple. From member input and feedback to financing the project to any and all issues that can—and will—crop up at the mere mention of the word “renovation” and, well, it’s enough to make any club think twice about taking on such a significant project.

More often than not, though, capital improvements can be exactly what a club needs to refresh, revitalize, and modernize not only its appearance but also the quality and atmosphere of the club.

While renovations have been challenging the past few years, due in no small part to supply chain woes and labor shortages, many clubs have still managed to successfully embark on and complete projects that have pleased current members and inspired new ones.

In a story for Club Management Association of America’s digital magazine, author Molly Olson takes a look at how five clubs tackled the challenges of capital improvement projects and successfully completed major renovations.

To read more about Renovation As Transformation, click here.