Ohio Golf Journal August 2019

Those that love golf have heard the over-used phrase, ‘Grow the Game’. This refers to increasing the number of new players each year over the number that leave the game. There’s also a saying that ‘our children are the future of the world’. As one-third of the population are minors, this seems statistically accurate. So how can we further engage the youth to assure additional golfers in the future, which means more and better golfing facilities for everyone? The USGA and First Tee have many programs to achieve this and engage kids, on and off the course! STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/ Math) School is not everyone’s favorite place but when you combine technology and research Growing the Game of Golf Through Technology with golf the outcome can be unique and enjoyable! The USGA has a mobile, hands-on training facility to educate and entertain on these areas: Learn how ground, turf, and water works to create a playable course (Science); Learn about aerodynamics to understand the flight of a golf ball (Technology); Understand how motion effects the distance a golf ball will travel (Engineering); Be educated about a stimp meter and how friction and slope affect the putting of a golf ball. FUN The USGA has recently released a comic book addressing golf’s rules and etiquette using By Richard Todd Ohio Golf Journal US A