To have Local Knowledge sent directly to your inbox, please email Jim Spagnolo, Communications Manager, at jspagnolo@txga.org

RULES OF HANDICAPPING – APPENDIX D: HANDICAP REVIEW

The handicap review process gives a Handicap Committee the ability to ensure the Handicap Index® of a player reflects their demonstrated ability.

To assist this process, the World Handicap System™ software specifications set out a range of recommended reports, analyses and notifications which can be developed within the handicapping software used by Handicap Committees to administer members’ handicaps.

These tools will:

• Identify players who are consistently scoring above, or below, their ‘expected’ scoring range or where other abnormalities within a player’s scoring record exist, and
• Make a recommended adjustment to the Handicap Index of each player identified, up to a maximum of 2 strokes.

A recommended adjustment will be applied only at the discretion of the Handicap Committee, based on any other knowledge or evidence that they have about the player and their demonstrated ability.

The handicap review reporting tools compare a player’s Handicap Index, individual scores and scoring patterns against expectations using the following:

• The player’s expected score in their next round,
• The expected standard deviation of the player’s Score Differentials™,
• The player’s expected scoring range.

The number of abnormal scores in the player’s scoring record as a percentage of the total number will also be taken into account. The larger the number of scores in a player’s scoring record, the more scores above or below their expected scoring range are required for the player to be flagged for a handicap review.

To learn more about Appendix D: Handicap Review, including the other information that may also be considered during the handicap review process, click here.

INCREASE REVENUE, GROW CLUB BRAND BY HOSTING TGA FUN GOLF EVENT

The TGA launched the Fun Golf Series in 2015 to engage a broader spectrum of its membership with an annual schedule of one-day events that provide a casual, enjoyable day on the golf course for players of all ages and handicap ranges.

The Fun Golf Series has been a big hit with TGA Members and their guests, and each year more and more golfers sign up to participate in these laid-back outings. It’s easy to see why these events have continued to grow in popularity with serious and recreational players alike because one, they have a good time and two, they get to travel and play great courses they may not otherwise get to experience.

Hosting Fun Golf Play Days can help TGA Member Clubs generate additional revenue through green fees, cart fees, range balls, food and beverage, and merchandise sales. It’s a great opportunity for clubs and courses to attract new players and build recognition, to showcase the facility in a positive light, make personal connections, and much more.

If you’re interested in learning more about hosting a Fun Golf Play Day, please contact Brian Fry, Manager of Outreach/TGA Foundation, by phone at (214) 468-8942 or by email at bfry@txga.org.

2024 PGA BUYING & EDUCATION SUMMIT JULY 29-31 AT OMNI PGA FRISCO

The 2024 PGA Buying & Education Summit is returning this summer to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in North Texas. The 2024 Summit is scheduled from July 29-31 and will provide an opportunity for PGA Professionals to meet with curated brands showcasing the latest fashion, products, trends, and innovations, learn transformative business strategies as part of the PGA Education Conference, and network with fellow industry members.

Following last year’s highly successful event launch at the new home of the PGA of America, the 2024 Summit will have use of additional campus facilities, including equipment and technology education sessions in the state-of-the-art PGA Coaching Center Powered by T-Mobile and the Welcome Reception and Live Fashion Show at the Panther Creek Pavilion. The three-day event will also feature the addition of a new golf retail education track to the PGA Education Conference, along with nightly networking and experiential golf events, including the event’s new Summer Jam, a nighttime concert and golf festival experience across golf, dining, and retail destinations of the Monument Realty PGA District.

For more information about the 2024 PGA Buying & Education Summit and to register online, click here.

THE EVOLUTION OF WORKFORCE BENEFITS [CMAA]

In the ever-evolving employment landscape, workforce benefits play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent at clubs. Beyond salary and job security, employees today seek comprehensive packages that cater to their diverse needs and preferences. From millennials craving flexibility to baby boomers prioritizing retirement planning, each age demographic brings its unique set of priorities and expectations to the table.

According to the 2023 Workforce Benefits Study by LIMRA-EY US, the workforce has never been more heterogeneous and fluid and will only become more so in the future. Within a decade, Generation Z and millennials will make up a large majority of the workforce, while baby boomers will begin to retire, and Generation X will age into their 50s. For benefits providers, this demographic shift equates to a fundamental change in what these generations want.

Meeting the expanding and unique benefits needs across generations is critical to attracting and retaining talent, and clubs across the U.S. echo that sentiment. The competition for talent persists despite an uncertain macroeconomic landscape and changing workforce dynamics. Benefits remain a powerful tool for clubs to attract and retain the talent that they need to meet their objectives—and employers recognize that they need to offer more.

In a feature story for Club Management Association of America’s digital magazine, author Jennifer McNally takes a closer look at how some clubs are adapting their benefits packages to cater to the diverse and continuously changing needs and preferences of different age demographics.

To read more about The Evolution of Workforce Benefits, click here.

In addition to the more familiar stroke play and match play formats for single-round and multi-round tournaments, GG TM also features a wide range of alternative formats that are sure to freshen things up and enliven the experience for all.

Click on the links below to view setup instructions for just a few examples of the interesting and enjoyable tournament formats available in GG TM:

• ChaChaCha
• Lone Ranger
• Ringers (Eclectic)
• Silk Skins
• 9/9, 6/6/6 and 3/3/3
• Adjustable Quota
• Team Skins
• Team Wheels
• Treys Format

You can also create your own customized tournaments using the Advanced Balls option. To learn more about Advanced Balls, click here.

The goal of TGA Project Muni is to grant funds to member club municipal facilities in Texas to help overcome budgetary challenges so they can invest in agronomy projects and/or practices that will help improve course conditions and enhance a player’s experience and potentially create a larger number of committed golfers.

The project centers around a two-part grant funding program:

1) TGA provides fund grants for every municipal facility to cover the cost of a USGA Course Consulting Service (CSS) once every 5 years. The purpose of a CSS is not to tell anyone how to run a golf course or what products to buy. A CSS is tailored to a facility’s specific needs, assessing key concerns on-site, followed by a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations, and research-backed education materials.

2) TGA provides matching fund grants (up to $10K) to a facility wanting to implement CSS recommendations or to make other improvements that will support sustainability, enhance player experience, or make the game more accessible.

To learn more about the TGA Project Muni Grant Program and how municipal facilities can benefit from this new, strategic initiative, please contact Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of Outreach/TGA Foundation, by email at kkilgo@txga.org or by phone at (214) 468-8942.

Industry representatives visited Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., on March 19, Texas Southern University in Houston on March 26, and Paul Quinn College in Dallas on April 9. Additional HBCUs have been identified for events later this spring and during the Fall 2024 Semester. The events include meetings between golf industry representatives and university leaders, as well as an activation for students, inviting them to come and learn more about internships and careers in the golf industry.

Launched in 2021, Make Golf Your Thing is a collective movement across the golf industry working to accelerate the game’s evolution by making it more diverse and inclusive. A critical part of the ongoing efforts is welcoming more people from historically underrepresented backgrounds to the industry, shedding light on the extensive opportunities the industry provides across the U.S. In 2023, Make Golf Your Thing supported a career day at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala., and partnered with four additional universities to install golf simulators on campus as a way to stimulate interest in golf.

To learn more or get involved, click here to visit the Make Golf Your Thing website.

Experts advise on two recent trends that owners need to keep in mind when considering new insurance coverage — extreme weather events and cybersecurity.

When it’s time for annual insurance renewal, take the time to assess your coverage needs. What changes were made on the property in the last year? What’s new? Insurance may not be the most glamorous topic in the world, but it is an indispensable component of running a golf course.

The most important thing to know about your insurance is, quite simply, what’s in your insurance policy. That may sound overly simplistic, but many people haven’t taken the time to really dig into their policy and know what’s included in it, which can be a costly mistake.
Suzan Charlton, an insurance attorney for Covington and Burling in Washington, D.C., recommends that everyone take the necessary time to ensure they know the details of their policy.
“I would say when it’s renewal time, look carefully at everything that [your insurance company] is hitting you with,” she said. “Don’t be on autopilot. Be a more active consumer, and that means asking questions.”
At renewal time, you should find out about any changes in your coverage. Are there new exclusions you should ask your broker about? Are there additional coverages that might be available? If your premiums are going up, what are the new rates? How does your property value affect things?

In an article for Golf Inc.’s digital magazine, author Trevor Mason takes a closer look at what golf course owners and operators should be aware of when reviewing current insurance coverage or considering new coverage, including Additions and Improvements, New Trends, Replacement Cost Valuation Over Actual Cash Value, and Liability Issues With Third Parties.

To read more about Know Your Insurance Policy, click here.

GET READY FOR UPCOMING SEASON WITH GOLF GENIUS

Season preparation is a critical part of tournament operations at a golf club. Whether you are gearing up for your first season using Golf Genius Tournament Management (GGTM) or transitioning from a prior season to a new season, there are important steps and practices to follow that will help you run your season more smoothly, as well as help you transition to future seasons.

The customer support team at GGTM has created a “Steps to Prepare for Your Season” tutorial to get you started off on the right track. Among the topics covered in the tutorial include adding and deactivating staff members as customer managers, reviewing default settings for events and leagues, creating and adding new events and leagues, updating master roster, adding or updating course details (e.g., Slope Rating, Course Rating, handicap holes, yardages) and verifying World Handicap System® compliance, and much more.

To view GG’s “Steps to Prepare for Your Season” guide along with step-by-step instructions, click here.

BECOME A YOC COURSE PARTNER AND HELP GROW THE GAME

Thanks to dedicated supporters and participating member clubs, the TGA Foundation (TGAF) has been able to continue to make great strides in broadening the reach of Youth on Course (YOC) throughout Texas.

This is the fifth year of the TGAF’s partnership with YOC, a national non-profit grow-the game initiative that allows kids and teens ages 6-18 to play golf for $5 or less, plus opportunities for paid internships, caddie programs, and college scholarships. The collaboration initially began in January 2020 as a pilot project in the San Antonio area with 11 courses, including all eight that comprise the Alamo City Golf Trail.

Currently, there are now more than 70 courses across the state that are part of the YOC community. While the progress made in expanding the footprint of YOC thus far is promising, the two organizations are working diligently to encourage more facilities to open their doors to the life- changing program.

Course partners that provide a nurturing atmosphere where YOC members feel welcome to play golf, have fun, learn, and grow, are helping to ensure the long-term future of the game. They are also realizing an immediate benefit as well.

Because course partners are in full control and decide when YOC members can play the course at the special rate, they are able to fill their tee sheets with enthusiastic young golfers during normally slow times. In addition to receiving a monthly check for the subsidized rounds, course partners report that at least 60% of the time, a parent or guardian joined the junior golfer and paid full price for their round. That means additional revenue from green fees, cart fees, pro shop merchandise sales, and food and beverage purchases.

It’s a proven win-win relationship between YOC members and course partners that has worked incredibly well since the program’s inception in 2006. There are currently nearly 200,000 YOC members that have access to over 2,000 courses throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia where they can play a round of golf for $5 or less. Over the years, YOC members have played more than three million subsidized rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate more than $8.5 million in tee-time revenue reimbursed back to individual golf courses.

For more information about the benefits of becoming a YOC course partner, click here. If you have any questions about joining the YOC community or need assistance getting started, please email Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of Outreach/TGA Foundation, by email at kkilgo@txga.org, or call (214) 468 8942.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2024 BILL PENN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The TGA Foundation is now taking applications for the 2024 Bill Penn Internship Program.

The approximately 10-week paid summer internships assist in connecting TGA member clubs in need of extra help with qualified high school students interested in a career in the golf industry. The program, which typically runs from the first week of June to the first week of August, provides opportunities for young people to gain experience in the diverse areas of facility operations, including club, golf shop and turfgrass management.

It’s not all work and no play, though. As part of the member club commitment, interns are provided with golf lessons and designated tee times so they can enjoy themselves out on the course.

By working closely with golf professionals, club managers and golf course superintendents, interns will learn the importance of teamwork, gain self-confidence, and develop positive skill sets that will enable broader career options in the future.

If there is a high school golfer (16 years of age or older) at your club or course who loves the game and is personable and motivated, the TGA Foundation would like to encourage you to let them know about the internship opportunity and have them submit an application before the May 1 deadline.

To learn more about the Bill Penn Internship Program, click here.

GOLF PARTICIPATION UPDATE – BIGGER, YOUNGER AND COOLER [NGF]

The National Golf Foundation’s research on golf participation primarily focuses on the green-grass game, but it has also been observing, measuring, and reporting on golf engagement away from the course.

To better understand golf’s consumer base, the NGF looks at three different participant groups: on-course only (12.1 million in 2023), off-course only (18.5 million), and those who engage on both fronts (14.5 million).

The number of on-course golfers has now increased for six straight years, but also notable is that the demographic makeup of the base is changing – albeit gradually in a sport with over 26 million Americans who play recreationally.

The demographics of off-course only participants have looked more similar to the mix of the U.S. population overall, exhibiting a younger and more diverse representation (age, gender, race and ethnicity) than the on-course population.

To read more on the latest Golf Participation Update from the NGF, click here.

TGA/GHIN® MEMBER INACTIVATION DELETION DEADLINE IS FEB. 28

The TGA would like to remind all its member clubs’ GHIN contacts, head professionals, and golf shop staff that the end of February is the deadline for TGA/GHIN Member Inactivation Deletion.

All golfers no longer wanting to participate in the GHIN service must be inactivated in your club roster no later than 11:59 p.m. (CST) on February 28. Your club’s March billing will be based on the number of active GHIN golfers in your GHIN Roster after that date and time.

For those clubs participating in the TGA’s Online Join Renew (OJR) program, golfers added via OJR have already paid and should be left in your club roster as “active.” The credit amount (if applicable) will be shown on your club’s March bill summary.

Lastly, please take this opportunity to make certain all Junior/Minor golfers are coded correctly as “J” type with their Date of Birth and Minors have been linked to a Guardian. Juniors/Minors not coded as such by midnight on Feb. 28 will be charged the regular rate.

If you have any questions or need assistance accessing your player rosters, please contact Mary Harrison, TGA Senior Director of Handicapping & Membership, by email at mharrison@txga.org or by phone at (214) 468-8942.

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING WHSTM HANDICAP SEMINARS

The TGA will be conducting three World Handicapping System (WHS) Seminars over the next several weeks: Tuesday, February 20, at McAllen Country Club in McAllen; Wednesday, March 6, at Barton Creek Resort & Country Club in Austin; and Thursday, March 7, at Pecan Grove Country Club in Richmond.

These seminars will provide an opportunity to learn more about the WHS and renew your 2024 Club Authorization at the same time. The presentations are a comprehensive educational overview of the WHS with discussions and solutions to common situations.

Among the topics to be covered are:

• The basics of the Rules of HandicappingTM including how the Handicap Index® is calculated
• Key changes to the WHS for 2024
• Proper administration of handicapping at your club, including the important role of the Handicap Committee

Attendees are required to bring their own laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Prior to the presentation, attendees will be emailed their club’s unique link to the Club Authorization Quiz. After the PowerPoint presentation, attendees will take the open-book online quiz. A passing quiz score is required for all clubs to continue to use the WHS. PGA members receive 3 Education credits!

Attendees will receive a copy of the 2024 Rules of Handicapping Manual and the 2024 Handicapping Reference Guide. A digital copy of the 2024 USGA Handicap Committee Guide is available online.

The cost of each seminar is $45, which includes lunch and materials. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and the seminar will run to 2 p.m. Space is limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those interested in attending one of these seminars, online registration is available through the links below or on the TGA website. Please join us for an informative and interactive seminar focusing on how to implement the WHS at your club successfully and to take the Club Authorization Quiz. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Mary Harrison, Senior Director of Handicapping & Membership, by email at mharrison@txga.org or by phone at (214) 468- 8942.

TGA PROJECT MUNI

The Texas Golf Association established ‘Project Muni” in mid-2023 as a multi-year financial commitment to investing in member club municipal facilities. In Texas and across the country, municipal facilities play a vital role in the overall health and well-being of the game by providing the most accessible entry point for those who are new to golf or want to get started in the sport.

The goal of TGA Project Muni is to grant funds to member club municipal facilities across the state to help overcome budgetary challenges so they can invest in agronomy projects and/or practices that will help improve course conditions and enhance a player’s experience and potentially create a larger number of committed golfers.

The project centers around a two-part grant funding program:

1) TGA provides fund grants for every municipal facility to cover the cost of a USGA Course Consulting Service (CSS) once every 5 years. The purpose of a CSS is not to tell anyone how to run a golf course or what products to buy. A CSS is tailored to a facility’s specific needs, assessing key concerns on-site, followed by a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations, and research-backed education materials.

2) TGA provides matching fund grants (up to $10K) to a facility wanting to implement CSS recommendations or to make other improvements that will support sustainability, enhance player experience, or make the game more accessible.

To learn more about TGA Project Muni and how municipal facilities can benefit from this new, strategic initiative, please contact Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of Outreach/TGA Foundation, by email at kkilgo@txga.org or by phone at (214) 468-8942.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FEB. 21 FOR TEXAS GOLF HOF CLASS OF 2024

Nominations for the 2024 Class of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame opened on Jan. 10. The public is urged to nominate qualified individuals before the deadline on Feb. 21.

Following the nomination deadline, the list of nominees will be screened by the induction nominating committee to be sure they meet the eligibility requirements of the specific category for which they were nominated. There shall be no more than eight total nominees per category per induction year. Not all public nominations are guaranteed a place on the official ballot.

Nominations for individuals and courses can be made in six categories: Amateur Player, Professional Player, Golf Professional/Teacher, Lifetime Achievement, Professional Service, and Texas Registry of Historic Golf Courses.

The 2024 Class will be announced in May and formally inducted this October in Houston. Tickets to the fall induction ceremony will be made available to the public as details become finalized.

For more information about the nomination process, categories and requirements for nomination and online nomination form, click here.

2024 WHSTM QUICK REFERENCE PLACEMAT FOR GOLF CLUB ADMINISTRATORS

The USGA and The R&A announced key changes to the World Handicap System (WHS) that will go into effect within the United States on January 16, 2024. The 2024 WHS Quick Reference Placemat resource is designed specifically for your staff and Handicap Committee to help address the questions you will most likely receive from your members and guests.

Among the topics covered in the placemat include new treatment of 9-hole scores, new treatment for holes not played, and scores made at shorter length courses. There is also a date-specific section for January 16 considerations that covers any player(s) with an uncombined 9-hole score in their scoring record as of January 16, and for clubs conducting a competition on January 16.

The USGA Handicap Committee Guide is now included within the digital version of the Rules of Handicapping (Section 6), which will be updated on January 16 to reflect the 2024 changes.

TEXAS LEAGUE PLAY: TEAM GOLF EXCITEMENT FOR TGA MEMBER CLUBS

Texas League Play was created in 2006 to provide an opportunity for TGA Member Clubs to play against each other in a team match-play format. Held during the springtime, these organized interclub matches, which utilize GHIN® handicaps, promote friendly competition and camaraderie in a fun atmosphere.

Eligibility in Texas League Play is open to all Member Clubs, both public and private, that own/ operate at least one 18-hole regulation length golf course with a current and valid USGA Course/ Slope Rating. To make scheduling easier and to reduce travel time, regional conferences are established anywhere in the state where there are four Member Clubs who are interested in competing against each other in a six-match regular season.

The team roster is open to male amateur golfers aged 21 and older that are full dues paying members of the club and maintain an active GHIN handicap. PGA Professionals who are full-time employees of the club are also encouraged to participate. Eight players are needed for each match, but there is no limit to how many players a club can have on its team roster.

A team match consists of four (4), four-ball matches: one (1) scratch and three (3) by handicap indexes arranged from low to high. Within each of the four-ball matches that make up one team match, there is one point awarded for winning the front nine, one for the back nine and one for the overall 18-hole match. A total of 12 points are available within each team match; at least 6.5 points are needed for a team victory.

Following the regular season, which runs from March 6-May 12, regional conference winners earn a spot to compete for the statewide title in the Championship Playoffs, a thrilling single-elimination bracket tournament to be held May 30-June 2 at Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club in San Antonio.

MAKE GOLF YOUR THING UNVEILS IMPACT ON ADVANCING INCLUSIVITY

Make Golf Your Thing, the collaborative movement reflecting the industry’s commitment to making the sport more diverse and welcoming, has released an update as it prepares to enter its fourth year. Highlights include investment of more than $1.8 million in 237 grassroots programs and steady growth in career and business opportunities for diverse candidates.

Led by PGA of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA and USGA and with financial support and participation from some of the leading corporations in golf, Make Golf Your Thing began taking shape in late 2020. Unlike anything done before in any sport, the collaborative, breakthrough movement is uniting allies across golf in support of a more inclusive game and industry, proactively welcoming people from historically underrepresented communities in the sport to make golf their game, their career, and their business.

Through Make Golf Your Game, players of all backgrounds, identities and abilities are encouraged to make golf their own. To date, the movement has invested in more than 155 unique organizations that are dedicated to increasing participation among people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Veterans, and those with disabilities. Approximately 88 percent of adults and children reached through these programs are ethnically diverse, while 51 percent are female, and 80 percent are under the age of 18. Fifteen organizations have received the maximum grant possible, reporting an average of 21 percent growth in participants since 2021.

To read more about the Make Golf Your Thing impact update, click here.

BENEFITS OF CREATING AN ANNUAL EVENTS CALENDAR [CMAA]

One of the biggest benefits of having an annual events calendar is the elimination of scheduling conflicts. By meticulously planning and scheduling events ahead of time, you can ensure that there are no overlaps with significant club activities such as golf tournaments and weddings. This foresight prevents logistical headaches and guarantees the availability of staff and resources when needed.

Moreover, an annual calendar allows for better coordination and communication among various departments within the club. “Communication is the most important part of working together as a business in the club,” said Jamie Roberts, Member Experience Manager at Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill, Mass. The events calendar serves as a central reference point accessible to both corporate and club personnel. This means that everyone involved, from the banquet team to the marketing team, can stay informed about upcoming events, ensuring seamless execution and marketing efforts.

In a feature article for Club Management Association of America’s digital magazine, author Jennifer McNally takes a closer look at the steps involved in creating an annual events calendar that enhances the member experience and fosters a sense of community.

To read more about the Benefits of Creating an Annual Events Calendar, click here.