PGA of America Looks at Growing Golf through Non-traditional Means


In response to downward participation trends in golf, the PGA of America's board of directors has announced the creation of a task force to seek ways to grow the game through non-traditional means.

Comprised of a group of multicultural, female, industry and non-industry experts united in their common interest to grow the game, the task force will develop and evaluate non-traditional concepts for the association's 27,000 men and women PGA professionals.

"There is nothing that I have been part of to date that is more important and has greater opportunity," PGA of America president Ted Bishop said. "The golf experience needs to be redefined. For many people, the traditional 18-hole round simply doesn't work. With the industry at a critical juncture of growth it is our responsibility to consider any and all potential alternatives to enhance the consumer's enjoyment of the game."

Members of the task force include Arlen Kantarian, who while CEO spearheaded the USTA's efforts to reverse downward participation trends in tennis; Mark King, CEO of TaylorMade-adidas Golf and creator of HackGolf.org, which the commission will utilize to crowd-source ideas; multiple Olympic medal-winner Bode Miller, who helped spark a resurgence in skiing; and Damon Hack, a new golfer and co-host of Morning Drive on the Golf Channel.

The four will be joined by editor of Audience Engagement at Golf Digest Ashley Mayo; Tom Dundon, part-owner of Top Golf; former NFL player Melvin Bullitt; former LPGA professional and PGA board member Dottie Pepper; PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua; and Bishop.

Although the task force will look at long-term solutions, its efforts will also focus on more immediate concepts that can be implemented by PGA members and the industry at large.

For more information about the PGA of America and members of the task force, visit www.pgamediacenter.com.