Sports & Recreation Don't give up on your swing just because summer's over. Golf is still the perfect socially-distanced game in the fall, and the Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP)* welcomes new players to two casual games during their membership drive this October and November. Why do people enjoy playing with Golf Tour Philly? Tony McCarthy, a strong amateur golfer who also manages the website www.golftourphilly.org offered three reasons: 1) Camaraderie It's a great group, and everyone loves the game. There's also a sense of friendly competition which helps us all focus and improve. And after the round is over, many of us enjoy gathering and sharing stories at “the 19th hole” (the clubhouse) over a select beverage or two. 2) Health and Safety The pandemic has us all searching for non-contact outdoor exercise alternatives, and golf allows you to pick your level of effort. Most people preferred to ride around in carts, but we've had a lot more walkers in 2020 because of Covid-19!
Joining a league can be a bit intimidating for decent players who might not know their handicap, but GTGP has you covered! Every member gets their scores posted for them on the US Golf Association (USGA) Tournament Management system, and after your third game, it automatically generates your handicap. We not only track your scores online for you, we kicked off a “Park and Play” registration and payment system in January which was very helpful when the pandemic hit. Members can now skip the pro shop and head straight to the practice area and the first tee. Park your car and go play!
It's all in good fun, and Golf Tour Philly also believes in giving back, so funds are always set aside for an admirable charity: SuperKids of Montgomery County, a non-profit which supports abused, neglected, and abandoned children. October 31st and November 7th, new players were able to meet members and play some casual golf. A Golf Tour Philly representative was there to welcome them and introduce their partners for the day. And of course, visited with them at the 19th hole.
Further information is available on the website www.golftourphilly.org, by emailing Golf Tour Philly guarantees your reserved tee TonyMcCarthy@golftourphilly.org or calling times, most during prime Saturday morning 484.753.4914. See you on the links! slots, and offers various levels of competition: Weekly 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners (“low nets” get credits towards future rounds) A season-long points race, and... A 2-round championship in September
3) Great Courses - We play 20 to 25 of the best public courses within about an hour of Philly. Members appreciate visiting different venues from our two favorite “oak” courses - Pilgrim's Oak in Lancaster County and Golden Oaks in Berks County, to many high-quality courses along the Jersey Shore. We also play private clubs, like Bluestone in Blue Bell and the 1912 Club in Plymouth Meeting. The process of picking courses for next year is currently underway, so both new players and new clubs are welcome to reach out to us!
*The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locally-operated golf league for amateur golfers of all abilities. Our classification as a non-profit keeps costs down, and our club organization ensures all members have input in club operations. The result is competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price! GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Members are eligible to play in GAP Member Play Days at private clubs in the area. Tony McCarthy, member & amateur golfer
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Haverford News
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