Playing Tournament Golf

[NM Golf]

So, as the golf association I belong to starts another season, the first thing that always comes up is increasing tournament play. We are always looking to try and increase the number of participants in our tournaments and get new players to come try it out. So my question is to those people out there who don't or haven't played tournament golf, why don't you play? What might get you to give it a shot? Thanks for any input you may have.

[Patch]

I play in charity tournaments from time to time. I also recently join the local senior mens club, and play in their tournaments. 

That said, I have long time golfing buddies, who I have tried to get to play in tournaments who just won't do it.

Their reasons vary, but for the most part, they feel they won't be competitive, so why waste the time. They would rather golf with folks they know. One even said he does not like the "snobbery" that goes on.

Some of the  more  sucessful tournaments I see, as far as participation,  are short game tournaments, and 3 club tournaments. 

[DeadMan]

35 minutes ago, NM Golf said:

So, as the golf association I belong to starts another season, the first thing that always comes up is increasing tournament play. We are always looking to try and increase the number of participants in our tournaments and get new players to come try it out. So my question is to those people out there who don't or haven't played tournament golf, why don't you play? What might get you to give it a shot? Thanks for any input you may have.

For what it's worth, this seems to be a problem across golf clubs in the Denver area, too. I'm not sure there's some panacea that can help you get more people into the club, besides word of mouth.

[WUTiger]

As far as golf associations go, the big hurdle is getting players to comeback after the nightmare six-hour Round 1. This is a problem for our area Amateur circuit.

Rounds are played by strict USGA rules, and several players show up in Round 1 and don't know the basic golf rules. I see players slice their drives, flying over the top of the OB line, and the clowns will go down and look for their ball, and then come back to tee to rehit. They should have hit a provisional, everyone saw it go out. Or, some Nimrod will be down in the creek hunting for golf balls when he should hit his shot and move on.

After the six-hour ordeal, many first-time players would say enough and never return.

In spring 2017 we had a more encouraging Round 1, with most playing times between 3:45 and 4:30.

Then, there's the problem that we suspend most of the local rules in favor of strict USGA, but not all of them. Always see a hole or two where this uncertainty creates a logjam as people try to decide what's proper. 

All this strictness on a strange golf course can be a turnoff for some. My first year on the circuit, I had to learn how to play without letting the administrative trappings distract me. And, I'm at the east edge of the zone, and sometimes had a 90-mile round trip to play 18.

This year I'm going to skip Amateur circuit play. I'm volunteering at the PGA Championship at Bellerive, and ramrodding a regional academic conference in the fall, and don't want the distraction.

I'll play in the district Amateur (right before PGA), and individual rounds during summer.

Edited January 18, 2018 by WUTiger
missing word

[Kalnoky]

It is one of my stated goals for this season to do a couple of tournaments.. I don't expect to win, I just want the practice of playing under pressure. 

I've been tempted to do tournaments before, however, 

1. I did not think I was good enough, and

2. the cost $$ deterred me. 

Unless it's a scramble (or some other format) I would like to see my home club do flighted tournaments, and also lower the cost. My club has a very laissez faire attitude these things, probably because many of the core members are retired and just having fun. I have to say along the way I've had the pleasure of playing golf with some really cool and nice people, but man, I always get stuck with guys who are way better than me... I feel like I'm just trying to keep up the whole time. If I'm going to shell out for a tournament I want the chance to actually beat someone, and I have to be able to justify the cost (and the cause) to the bosslady.

 

Edited January 18, 2018 by Kalnoky

[NM Golf]

Ok so one of the things I am hearing is a lot of people don't think they are competitive or good enough. So as an association we need to tell people that they will be competing and playing with people who are close in handicap. That is how we do things, we have guys from +1 to 29 handicaps playing in our tournaments, but they don't play together in the same groups. I can understand how that could cause people to be a bit anxious about playing.

[dennyjones]

There just aren't very many tournaments in my area.   The two clubs I've joined within the last three years don't even have a club championship.   The guys I play with are just into playing for fun and a tournament wouldn't enter into the picture unless it was a scramble.   

[MiuraMan]

I play in state (Delaware) golf assoc. tournaments. Generally the format is either two-man team or individual. All tournaments are flighted and you play at 90% of your course handicap. Usually they pay out both low net and low gross (two places) in a flight. I have noticed a trend towards stableford scoring (versus stroke play) in the last couple of years. I prefer stroke play; however I think stableford scoring tends to attract more golfers since one or two really bad holes won't wipe you out.

All the tournaments are held on weekdays - hence you get a lot of retirees - I always took a vacation day (or two - there are a few two day tournaments) to play. Tournament venues are a good mix of private clubs and public clubs). In fact many of the tournaments are held at the same club year after year around the same time of the year.

One of the most popular tournaments is a 27-hole challenge played at a 27 hole course. There is generally 6 flights with approx. 12 two-man teams in each flight. The format is 9 hole scramble; 9 hole fourball; and 9 hole alternate shot.

Any way for a small state we get good turnouts.