While there is a lot of talk about “growing golf,” it’s a catchy phrase. Few consider the cost of getting kids into the game and giving them the chance to succeed.
Young golfers are the ones who can grow the sport. While there are programs that help them, the golf community must step up to make this a reality. This is a topic that I strongly believe in.
Growing up in Southern California, buckets of balls were often $20 and there was only one junior course program. My job was at a local pizza place, where every penny went towards tournament fees, green fees and appropriate apparel.
While it is important that children learn the value and importance of money, the average family cannot afford to send their child to golf or pay for college scholarships. Golf is more expensive than other sports like basketball and soccer. You will need to pay a lot of money before you can even get your equipment. Junior golfers who want to play at the college level may be interested in tournaments that are not played by their high school team.
Reese Woodbury, a 17-year-old Florida player, was asked by me how much his family spends on their golf expenses each month.
“I would expect to make $1,800-$3,500 per month,” Woodbury said. Woodbury stated that this includes practice, expenses and tournament fees.
There are many charitable programs that encourage junior golf, but they can only go so far.
After you have gotten past the hurdles of green fees and paying for balls, tournament fees will be a breeze. The fees for junior two-day tournaments range from $250 to $400 per player. It becomes nearly impossible for most families to reach the next level if you add fuel, hotel and food (often times multiple times per month).
One of my best friends is unable to participate in events due to financial backing problems. Woodbury said that he is a talented golfer but doesn’t have the financial backing to support his passion for the game. “I am very grateful to the people in my life that allow me to pursue my dreams.
Although I know that junior tours are a business, there must be some flexibility. It’s getting harder to manage high school and golf as a junior player.
Changes are needed if companies or courses claim to be an inclusive space for young generations. One way to encourage play is to promote twilight junior rates. Driving ranges are inexpensive and can be discounted by offering discounts on buckets of balls. It is important to create a safe place for kids to practice and feel secure.
Golf can make small discounts a great way to increase the return on its high-paying customers in the future.
(Editor’s Note: Averee Dovsek was a former college golfer who contributed to Golfweek. )
By: Averee Dovsek
Title: Our Averee Dovsek explains how ‘growing the game’ is coming at a high price for families
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/02/13/junior-golf-how-growing-the-game-high-price-for-families/
Published Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:00:52 +0000
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