As PGA Professionals, we’re in the business of “Growing the Game”. It’s a phrase we hear ad nauseam in our business. Grow the game at our facilities, in our Sections, and in our communities. So in order to do our job of growing the game, we develop programs for our members and customers that consist of clinics, lesson packages, golf schools, junior programs, beginner programs, the list goes on and on. However, we rarely ask the critical question. In our efforts to “Grow the Game”, are we making a lasting impact on the game by actually creating golfers? What does it even mean to create a golfer? Ryan Dailey and Matt Reagan have been asking this question, and they’ve come up with an answer. Who are Ryan and Matt? There aren’t many of you out there that don’t know, but just in case you’ve missed it, they’re two regular Golf Pros that are revolutionizing how we introduce new players to the game. Through the development and evolution of Operation 36, they’ve impacted thousands of golfers and helped Golf Professionals all over the world develop successful programs and businesses, all with an idea seemingly so simple you say “why didn’t I think of that?!”. Start from 25 yards and shoot 36 for nine holes and them move back to 50 yards. Rinse and repeat. But beyond creating a long term development model for junior golfers, they’ve set out on a mission to create one million new golfers by 2025. As audacious as that goal seems, they have a plan to reach it. And it begins with a question we should all be asking at our facilities…”How do I create a golfer?” When we ask that question first and then work backward from there, the way we structure and create our player development programs fall into place. If you’re in the planning stages for 2020, this is a fantastic conversation to help you get on the right track and truly make an impact on your facilities this year and beyond. GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.
