Nine ways to improve golf in Bermuda

Bermuda golf is not standing still. All the best organized sports today constantly review and monitor the environment in which they operate, predicting challenges and changes ahead and designing their future pathways.

In considering the future, the most forward thinking sports will demonstrate their worth by using revised criteria; such as their contribution towards the health of the nation; the education system; towards social inclusion and crime prevention; to the workforce and the economy; and increasingly towards Bermuda success and identity on the world stage.

All sports can be measured against key drivers of change, ageing population, time pressure, well being and obesity, utilizing education and variations in access.

Golf already contributes significantly and together with key stakeholders within the game, but it can deliver much more.

Here are nine ways we can take the game to new heights:

1. A player pathways: A clearly understood player pathway does not exist and we must understand the ‘windows of opportunity’ that are available to identify and nuture our most talented young players.

2. Governance: Golf has a long history and has led the development of the three main governing bodies for golf in Bermuda, supported by many other stakeholder groups with an interest in the development of the game.

This makes the creation of one vision and one voice a challenge for the sport to achieve, but with new revitalized boards in all bodies and a real desire to cooperate in a shared vision the future looks very exciting for Bermuda golf in general.

3. Golf clubs: Modern day sports participation is driven by family activity agenda.

An example of that is the most popular tournament at many clubs is the family tournaments, where the whole family goes out and play, more and more members are less interested in competitive golf and moving towards fun social, family centered events.

4. Maximize Facilities: Golf is perceived as expensive and time consuming.

Innovative solutions to increase participation and allow greater access like six hole rounds (This is an initiative that Anthony Mocklow will spearhead at Fairmont this summer).

5. The clubless golfer: A growing number of golfers are transient and ‘clubless.’

All of the clubs in Bermuda have availability for membership.

Clubs need to offer value for money and give some lower cost options.

6. Schools: Golf must strive to become part of the school curriculum and prioritized by the department of education and other key government agencies.

7. Retention of 18 to 30-year-olds: We must find ways to retain those playing in junior golf and then lost to the game.

8. Bermuda success: There are currently no Bermudians on the major tours, except for Michael Sims, a key target must be the development of Bermudian golfers capable of producing world class performances and achieving world rankings for both men and women.

9. Introductory programmes: We must review the impact of introductory programmes and develop market appropriate  programmes to introduce people to the game.

When you learn how ski, you don’t go down a black double diamond slope on your first day, but in golf there is no such common sense.

Beginners are expected to play full length courses.

This is why it is such a disaster that Horizons has closed leaving only the course at Fairmont suitable for beginners.

My hope is that Bermuda succeeds in all of these points and significant strides are made by the governing bodies of golf. Golf is on the up! n

Paul Adams is the pro at Tucker’s Point.