Aimed at bringing adults into the game in a fast, fun and affordable way, Get Golf Ready, Play Golf America's 2010 featured program, seeks to introduce the game to thousands of golfers each year.

The newest golf industry player-development program, Get Golf Ready, has exceeded its target number of host facilities after its first year of the program. Over 1,150 facilities are certified to host the program, surpassing the target goal of 700 host facilities for 2009, and more than 2,260 Get Golf Ready events have been posted on line.

Targeting adults who have limited or no experience with the game of golf, GET GOLF READY is comprised of a series of five introductory lessons offered by PGA/LPGA Professionals in a small-group environment at prices ranging from approximately $99 to $199 (varies by facility).

The program provides:

• basic skills instruction
• background of the game's rules,
• etiquette and values.

Overall, participants gain insight into techniques regarding:

• chipping
• putting
• full swing
• half swing
• bunker play

As well as the fundamental guidelines regarding the use and maintenance of:

• golf equipment
• keeping score
• navigating the course

Following the completion of the five-session program, a smooth transition into other GET GOLF READY graduate outings, such as the free and low-cost programs offered by PLAY GOLF AMERICA will be provided.

Get Golf Ready, the newest Play Golf America program, was announced in November 2008 as part of the World Golf Foundation's GOLF 20/20 initiative. The program is benefiting from unprecedented support and collaboration from the entire golf industry, including the World Golf Foundation, The PGA of America and other leading national and state golf associations, organizations, manufacturers, media and companies.

2009 Best Practices
Many facilities exceeded their first year goal of 50 students, including East Potomac-Hains Point Golf Course in Washington D.C., where 825 students have participated in the Get Golf Ready program, the highest total among all participating courses. At the PGA Merchandise Show on January 29th, East Potomac was recognized for their outstanding contribution to growing the game by winning the Player Development Award presented at the Annual International Network of Golf Awards Ceremony.

Other best practices include initiatives at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, NJ, which held a program in which family members could play nine holes or take instruction, then meet for dinner.  It was an instant success totaling 492 participants over 18 Fridays.  These programs accounted for 60 new students, 598 more rounds and hundreds of new patrons experiencing the restaurant, resulting in total revenue of $33,375.  And, the Get Golf Ready program at Hiwan Golf Club, a private facility in Evergreen, Colo., attracted 166 students resulting in $14,801 in lesson revenue and adding 12 new members to the club.