The 2014 European Golf Business Conference will be hosted in less than two weeks in Barcelona and the stage is set for the big debate on fun in golf.
Steve Mona, CEO – World Golf Foundation, Mike Hughes, CEO – NGCOA (USA) and Alastair Graham, KPMG Golf Advisory will spark the debate and explore many of the key opportunities and challenges that the game of golf faces in its battle to achieve the fun factor.
To be or not to be?
Do we keep golf as it is, or do we adjust the fundamental rules and format of the game to make the game more fun and appealing to all generations? Do we have to follow the successful changes Rugby has made with Sevens Rugby and Cricket with their faster 2020 rules?
There is a traditional group of golfers that says that 18 holes of golf is the only format. This group have strong ties to the tradition & history of the game and would like to keep golf as it is. There is a lot to say for this and maintaining the tradition, heritage and etiquette of the game is very important, but at what price?
What if the new generations do not connect to golf in any way? Do we just remain as we are and let golf participation shrink?
And what is real golf anyway? Is it fishermen in Scotland playing golf for fun and socialising in the pub afterwards? Or the traditional rule-driven homogenous group playing under qualifying conditions? Or is it weekly golfers that play mainly to be outdoors with their friends in nature, where a good score is a bonus but not key? But let’s not forget our top-golfers playing for course records and seeking 300-metre drives, are they real golfers?
One thing is clear: golf needs to be fun, otherwise people will select one of the many alternative sports and activities now available.
Time for a big debate on the future of golf.
Registration is still open for the European Golf Business Conference and places are now limited, to register for the event click here.