For a number of reasons, one of the golf industry's biggest challenges is to keep young people involved in the game.
For a number of reasons, one of the golf industry's biggest challenges is to keep young people involved in the game. Spiraling costs, time commitment and a lack of course friendliness all conspire to keep many youngsters from even considering it as time well spent.
I certainly don't know the answer, although I suspect shorter, more reasonably priced courses which welcome junior players might have something to do with it.
Those who have the well being of the game at heart all do their part. And as far as I'm concerned, those who have the means should be giving back. Beacon Hall is a private Bob Cupp gem of a course in Aurora, ON. It is always high on the list of best courses in the province and indeed the entire country. This season Beacon Hall enters its second year of its junior caddie program. A caddie program to me conjures up images of teenagers hanging around the pro shop waiting for their assignment, then getting playing privileges for a restricted time.
But this operation is much more substantial than that; each candidate goes through a meticulous process before getting the job, but the rewards are far greater than breathing the fresh air all summer while picking up a few bucks. Each one is interviewed, parents included with a complete review of how well they're doing in school, as well as their golf and life aspirations.
At the end of it all, the top 12 will be chosen. They'll get $20 per round, unlimited playing privileges at one of the finest courses in the country, and receive a $1,000 dollar scholarship from the club when its all done next fall. This is just the basics. There's a whole lot more that goes with it.
So how's that for an apprenticeship? How's that for learning about, and appreciating the game? Or more importantly to any teenager I know, how's that for a summer job! Does this make sense, or am I crazy?
There are other courses out their doing what I think are some wonderful things as well. I'll detail some other examples throughout the spring. But for now, good for Beacon Hall.
