Golf is ‘big’ business.
In Canada, a higher percentage of the population plays golf than in any other country at just over 20 per cent.
The total revenue generated through golf is $8.3 billion. There are 300,100 people employed by the game and they contribute $2.2 billion in tax revenue. So, who is in charge of protecting the various groups, their interests and the actual game itself?
Listing all of the different associations, organizations and corporations offering structural support to the game is lengthy but the prime contenders are the Royal & Ancient (R & A), the USGA (United States Golf Association), National Allied Golf Association, National Golf Foundation and the World Golf Foundation.
The ‘big guys’ are followed by another influential layer of groups including The PGA of America, The Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, USPGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
List two includes factions who claim to represent their members with the caveat that they strive to do what is best for the masses who play golf. Strangely, the average players, or those who do not belong to private clubs, make up over 80 per cent of all golfers. There is no one entity representing them which means they must rely on the benevolence of those claiming to be in charge.
One of the big problems facing the game is its growth and its future sustainability. The same number of people who enter the game are also leaving. In other words, if the prime contenders are in charge, they haven’t yet figured out a way to engage new players and retain them. In fact, they haven’t even really developed any significant initiatives that have not failed. So far they have done nothing that shows leadership.
The R&A is recognized as the world’s rules guardian but they do little more than preside over the rules. They don’t do much to add direction or support to any other organization/association other than having a working relationship with the USGA which is mostly ‘rules’ oriented.
In Canada, The National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) has recently rebranded its name to We Are Golf. This group is made up of a consortium of association representatives such as: the PGA of Canada, Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Society of Club Managers and Golf Canada. Now that’s a combination that might work as far as being in charge in Canada, but who is in charge internationally and/or worldwide?
In fairness, and once again with a Canada-only orientation, NAGA is undertaking a National Golf Day on May 29 ‘to help raise awareness to the public and government decision makers on the many positive impacts on the golf industry’.
The goal is to invite MPs and other government officials to a golf outing held on the lawns of Parliament Hill in Ottawa exposing the benefits of golf and the massive financial contributions golf makes to the economy and to communities.
What would really help is an annual day across Canada where every person who plays golf invites one non-golfer to share time at a local golf club. The clubs could provide an opportunity for non-golfers to be exposed to the game. Our finest tour players: Dave Barr, Richard Zokol, Lorie Kane etc. should be the headliners appearing across the country and on TV promoting the benefits of playing golf and attracting new golfers.
And, where is Mike Weir? Where are all the new young, up and comers resulting from his Masters victory? He is an outstanding role model. Why isn’t he the figurehead of golf in Canada?
In my opinion, the USPGA tour doesn’t do nearly enough to promote golf. Have you ever been to an NBA game? During the pre-game warm-up young kids are on the floor with the players. Can you imagine the sensations felt by a 6 year old shovelling off a pass to Stephen Curry who grabs it and ’puts up’ a 3 pointer?
Don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-organization. Each of the contenders adds great value to the overall picture but the brunt of the work in growing the game is being done by groups like The First Tee, Youth on the Course, Carry the Game, Drive Pitch ‘n Putt and LPGA clinics.
Once you get past all the high profile stuff you find out that individual golf professionals at their various home courses are extremely active every day helping, mentoring and teaching juniors. Thousands of kids are playing golf because someone cared enough to introduce them to the game. In most cases these are individuals, not organizations. Further, who is in charge of doing what it takes to attract adults into the game, and who is doing what it takes to help retain them?
So back to the question: Who is really in charge of the game? Probably no one! Given all the different needs and interests it would be impossible for any of the current organizations to actually take charge and oversee the others by channeling their resources and interests toward the common goal of enhancing the game in every way.
It isn’t a ship without a rudder or a multitude of self interest groups acting on their own behalf, disguising themselves as acting in the best interests of the game. It’s more like a very large family, with each one performing their own set of tasks working alongside each other in a somewhat cohesive unit. They each have the same basic cultural upbringing, each with an innate understanding of the hierarchy. They work as individuals and as members of a team with two unifying blobs of glue they all have in common: a universally accepted, uniform set of rules and an undying love for something unique and special.
What makes it all work? The wholesome beauty, the honesty, the integrity and simplicity, combined with every golfer’s wish to protect the game for themselves, for others and for future generations.
Michael Schurman has been a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association since 1969. He is a Life Member of the C.P.G.A. In 1988, he became the youngest person to attain the category of Master Professional. Michael has served on the Board of Directors of the PGA of Canada and the PGA of Ontario. He is Past President (Ontario) and recipient of the Club Professional of the Year Award.
He played the Canadian Tour in 1970. He has finished 4th on the Order Of Merit for the Ontario P.G.A. Senior tournaments including being 1st alternate into the U.S. Open (Senior).
Michael has been the Head Golf Professional at the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, Credit Valley Golf Club, the General Manager at Lionhead Golf Club, and the Director Of Golf at the Metropolitan Toronto Board Of Trade Country Club. He owned and operated the Oshawa Creek Amusement Park.
Michael has been involved in golf at every level and just about every capacity for over 50 years.
Currently, he is retired, living in Durham, Ontario with his wife, Diane.
