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"Pace of play has become a strategic priority for the USGA, and part of a larger leadership agenda to address the issues that threaten the long-term health of the game." —Glen D. Nager, USGA President play has worsened over time; and half acknowledged that they walked off the course due to frustration over a marathon round of golf. USGA research shows that the golfer is just one component within a complex, integrated system that determines pace of play in the game. Golf course design, course setup and player management also contribute to longer playing time. "Pace of play has become a strategic priority for the USGA, and part of a larger leadership agenda to address the issues that threaten the long-termed health of the game," said USGA President Glen D. Nager. "Our new campaign underscores a commitment to educate golfers and golf facility managers in a fun and engaging manner about all the factors that contribute to pace of play and the role they can have in implementing practical solutions." The USGA developed a total of five public service announcements (PSA), featuring three-time U.S. Open champion Tiger Woods, 1960 U.S. Open champion and golf icon Arnold Palmer, Academy Award®–winning actor/director Clint Eastwood, three-time U.S. Women's Open champion Annika Sorenstam, 2010 U.S. Women's Open champion Paula Creamer, and famed American golf instructor Butch Harmon. The campaign was broadcast during the 2013 U.S. Open Championship, and will air throughout the summer during coverage of some of golf's biggest events. Each PSA directs people to www. usga.org/whilewereyoung, a newly ▲ SPORT REPORT created microsite where golfers and facility managers can sign a pledge to take personal measures to improve pace of play. Those who take the pledge will be enrolled in the USGA Pace of Play Education Program, which includes videos, quizzes and other resources that cover the fundamental causes and solutions to slow play from both a player and golf course facility perspective. Once the education program is completed, participants will receive a downloadable certificate acknowledging their role as a USGA-certified pace of play ambassador. The USGA campaign is part of a larger, multifaceted initiative that was announced in February to identify the causes and solutions regarding pace-ofplay issues in the game. This USGA-led program includes an analysis of key factors known to influence pace of play; the development of a pace-of-play model; improvements to the USGA Pace Rating System; on-site assistance at golf courses to help managers assess and improve pace of play; and the creation of player- and facility-education programs. ■ Golf 2.0: How PGA Is Making The Sport Fun In 2011, The PGA of America unveiled a new industrywide strategic plan called Golf 2.0 designed to increase participation in the game by the year 2020 by retaining and strengthening the core of current golfers, engaging golfers who no longer play, and driving new players to the game. With participation in golf growing 6.5 percent since the rollout of Golf 2.0, according to Michael O'Donnell, senior director of player development and Golf 2.0 for The PGA of America, PGA plans to remain focused on growing the game going forward. The PGA's growth programs target adults and children and address initial golf instruction as well as ongoing training and play. Many are produced in partnership with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). "We have four primary programs that address growth in the game," O'Donnell said. "Get Golf Ready is a program directed at adults, and it offers a series of five lessons that at the conclusion give a new golfer the comfort level to play." Get Golf Ready is run by PGA and LPGA professionals who teach the various golf skills used during play, while focusing on the fun, friendship and fitness inherent in the www.sportseventsmagazine.com game. Participants are furnished with golf clubs, balls and other equipment. "Tee It Forward is a program to create awareness of the importance of playing from the proper tees," O'Donnell said. Tee It Forward encourages golfers to move up a set of tees so they can hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars more often, and score better. Two other programs are specifically focused on engaging and interesting youth in the sport of golf, O'Donnell said. "PGA Junior League Golf is a team program played in the spring and summer, and PGA Sports Academy is the most fun way for a child to get introduced to golf," he said. According to the PGA, the popularity of PGA Junior League Golf has escalated during the past year with a record 8,000 boys and girls registered for the 2013 season, which represents an approximate 345 percent increase in participation. In the PGA Sports Academy, next-generation golfers are brought to the sport in a fun and interactive way that focuses on five key areas: fitness and nutrition; golf skills; sportsmanship, rules and etiquette; golf and "near golf" experiences; and golf and physical assessments. ■ June 2013 19