Grow the Game of Golf By Roxann Maxey, Theodore Wirth Golf Operations Manager, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Grow the Game of Golf is what we have been trying to do in the golf industry for the past several years. It took a worldwide pandemic to slow the world down and get back to the basics. An opportunity to enjoy the gift of time. With the many struggles families faced through the pandemic, we found joy in the simple things in life: camping, hiking, puzzles, board games, water sports, and golf. Golf was the sport that allowed for safe distances and a chance to clear your worries in lush green space and nature. It was an opportunity to compete against your score from the past round, or amongst your playing partners, when all other athletic competitions had come to a halt. In 2020, we could have captured historic golf bags and clubs, blowing off the dust from an inherited set of grandpa’s clubs. We saw new golfers inspired to take lessons and we witnessed a leap in youth participation. We watched families play the game, friends gathering without having to feel rushed, and many virtual office meetings on riding carts. As we wrapped up a 2019 golf season in the red, we challenged ourselves to seek innovative revenue streams and ways to decrease expenses leaving an operating budget at a bare minimum,
putting projects on hold and stalling equipment replacement. As we completed 2020 clearing almost $2 million in profit after all expenses, we seek to re-invest in the future of golf and being ahead of the game. We invested in golf apps and other technology that allows us to move guests through more efficiently and an option for check in
With the many struggles families faced through the pandemic, we found joy in the simple things in life: camping, hiking, puzzles, board games, water sports, and golf. 32 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
