NZPGA -This time a year ago we were in level four lockdown
This time a year ago we were in level four lockdown
By Dominc Sainsbury
This month I would like to take the time to reflect, including the highs and lows of what has been a very turbulent past 12 months.
This time last year we were in a level four lockdown with uncertainty of what the future had in store for us. Not only that we realised how vulnerable we are and how important our health is.
With vulnerability came togetherness. We saw the whole golf industry come together to first to save our golf courses by lobbing government to allow green staff to care for our playing surfaces.
We then came together in advocacy for our game, emphasising how great it is for all New Zealanders to play for fun, for health, for socialising with friends and family and to enjoy the amazing green spaces our courses create for our communities.
This brought with it the highs and New Zealanders flooded to golf courses. There was an influx of new golfers and those coming back to the game. With these highs came excitement but it also had its side effects as with a high demand for playing comes increased demands on staff that has increased workloads.
Those at the fronts lines of golfer engagement (often the PGA professional) in the pro shops and golf operations have seen golfers enjoying their golf and focusing on the fun, social, health and outdoor benefits of the game.
Most golfers are not as fixed on results but are seeing golf as more than just a score but a game to spend time with friends and a focus on the small things that pre-covid we took for granted.
There is purity in those moments and special moments make memories. We are hearing stories of golf proving an escape from the lows of the last 12 months and special memories being made on golf courses all over New Zealand. Our club houses are full of laugher and sharing of special moments on the course.
In 12 months' time when I am looking back I hope that golf continues to help connect New Zealanders, that we continue to see more and more people playing golf and enjoying the social, health and stunning outdoor environments that golf provides.
Caption: Golfers gather for the Waihi Pro-Am, sponsored by Expol, earlier this year. An example of people getting together on the golf course.