January 2025
From the CEO
Welcome to the Golf Surge
I’m writing this at the mid-point of 2020, one of the most unexpected years in my lifetime. The American economy and society have been rocked by racial tensions and a deadly viral pandemic. Thousands of golf courses were partially or totally shut down this spring. And yet the very conditions created by the pandemic have resulted in a surge in play at golf courses, private and public alike (resort courses notwithstanding - they may have taken the biggest beating due to fears in travel). It’s a strange feeling indeed to be beneficiaries of something that is killing other parts of the economy.
Cover Stories and Features
Golf Accessibility Now Moves to Digital Spaces
Over the last 25 years, sparked by the Tiger Woods phenomenon, the golf industry’s leading associations made significant strides in making facilities and businesses more accessible and inclusive. The First Tee and National Alliance for Accessible Golf are just two initiatives/organizations reflective of the progress being made.
Trailblazer
Mackenzie Mack Is Setting A New Standard For The Game
AI Can Be A-OK for Course Management
Two letters are changing the way the world works: AI – artificial intelligence. You can think of it as the simulation of human intelligence by machines or software. And AI isn’t just for big business or the ivory towers of academia. Today, AI is making its way into golf course management –– saving lots of time and money by improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experiences and optimizing maintenance and resource allocation.
Case Studies
Golf as Therapy
Why has a golf pro donated hundreds of hours for nearly 12 years – using the sport to help kids who are facing massive medical issues? Kevin Corn calls that a “challenging question,” but he’s loved every minute of it.