Golf: Resurgence in Play

Exceptional Golf is Par for the Course

Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park

Golf: Resurgence in Play

By Bethani Gerhard, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association

Outdoor recreation, such as golf, was the ideal quarantine activity. Across the United States, golf numbers were up in 2020 as compared to 2019. According to Golf Datatech, nationwide there was a 13.9% increase in June, a 19.7% increase in July and a 20.6% increase in August 2020. September 2020 had the largest increase of almost 26% rounds of golf played versus a year ago, which is roughly 12 million rounds. In mid-April last year, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order that allowed additional outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic. The order allowed Minnesotans to take part in golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking while following social distancing guidelines. As more information became available about how to safely engage in outdoor activities, Minnesota had one of the highest increases in rounds of golf played in September 2020 as compared to 2019. According to Golf Datatech, there was a 46% rounds-increase in September 2020 in Minnesota. The warmer September weather and the push to get outdoors helped grow the game of golf in 2020. Following the CDC recommendations and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, adult and junior golf leagues, youth golf programs and camps were also able to continue during 2020. Many golf courses across the state offered family golf programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Junior and family golf programs offer an introduction of golf to kids, in the hopes that they will play on the course as they get older. First Tee, the international organization dedicated to growing the game of golf to youth, was also able to continue their programming in 2020. Since 1997, First Tee has introduced golf’s inherent values to millions of young people by teaching values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. There are multiple locations in Minnesota - First Tee of Blaine, First Tee of Minnesota, and First Tee of Three Rivers Park District. First Tee is expanding to more courses, park centers, and schools to grow the game of golf. Since restrictions have loosened in 2021, many golf courses across the state are continuing to have more people playing rounds of golf. According to the Golf Foundation, 2021 is starting out to be another record year for golf throughout the United States.