The United States Golf Association (USGA), in partnership with American Express, invites golfers to participate in its second PLAY9 Day on Wednesday, July 29.
PLAY9 Day is an effort to rally golf industry stakeholders, facilities and golfers around the nine-hole round as a fun, quick and convenient way to enjoy the game.
Participants are encouraged to share photos, success stories and support of the program by using #Play9Golf via social media throughout the day. Fan posts will be featured on the USGA’s official platforms.
The USGA recorded a 13 percent year-over-year increase in nine-hole rounds posted to its Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN®) in the months following the program’s launch in 2014.
Nine-hole facilities comprise nearly 30 percent of courses in the U.S., and 90 percent of courses offer a nine-hole rate. According to the National Golf Foundation, the average nine-hole green fee in the United States is $22.
Among the many benefits of the nine-hole round:
- It involves less of a time commitment than playing 18 holes, and is comparable with the time it takes to watch a movie, go out to dinner or attend a sporting event;
- It can be less intimidating to newcomers as they learn the Rules, etiquette and fundamentals of the game;
- It is family- and budget-friendly;
- Nine-hole scores are eligible for Handicap purposes.
A USGA consumer study conducted by Sports & Leisure Research Group found that 60 percent of golfers see nine-hole rounds as an engaging way to introduce people to the game. Whether for new or experienced players, PLAY9 Day is designed to encourage everyone to find the time to play more of the game we all love.
Golf course operators can download a PLAY9 toolkit at www.usga.org/play9 that includes a user guide, posters, tent card and customizable cart plate.
USGA www.usga.org
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