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CAL POLY POMONA HIGHLIGHTS: Introducing golf onto college campuses |
CAL POLY POMONA: HOW TO PRODUCE AN ON-CAMPUS COLLEGE GOLF EVENT THAT WORKS: It's been an amazing spring season for almostGOLF events so far. We've definitely learned alot about how to bring golf onto a school campus and the steps needed to make it effective, fun, tractionable and repeatable.
STEP #1 CREATE A DRIVING RANGE EXPERIENCE EVERYONE WILL REMEMBER: Starting at the USC Open, we created a five stall 'demo' range near the middle of campus where there was a lot of foot traffic so students and administrators could come by and just hit balls. We knew that bringing golf onto campus was breaking a long standing perception that golf is dangerous and therefore not allowed on campus. You see, most people associate swinging golf clubs with the lethal projectile known as a traditional golf ball. We needed to re-educate teachers and students alike and show them there is a very cool alternative that safely fits the world they all live in. So the easiest first step was to create a structured range situation where anyone could try their hand, get some instruction and either discover or rediscover the game of golf in a casual way.
STEP #2: CREATE AN ALMOST- GOLF COURSE: What we found was that alot of kids really wanted to go beyond the range and play some holes...but there's more. Much to our surprise we discovered a silent mass of really good 'closet golfers' that came by and began really slinging the rock. They were usually kids who played in high school or learned at a country club, but simply didn't want to spend the time to compete on a collegiate level. So for those players we created a five hole almost- golf course. Now players could spend a half hour playing the course and schooling their friends. It was just enough time to give them a taste of this new form of golf competition and reignite their interest in the game. In fact, nearly everyone of these players came back to us and asked when we were going to have a tournament and if so, they wanted to play. (Read more)
WHAT WE 'VE LEARNED SO FAR: Bringing the game of {safe} golf onto any level primary or secondary school campus is a natural fit. It just makes sense. Once people hit the ball and realize the almostGOLF ball couldn't hurt a flea and they are a blast to hit, the doors opened to events and bigger things. We also learned that there are a lot more 'dormant golfers' out there then we ever expected. Their basic feedback is that they really like golf, but they just don't have the time or money to keep up with and play the traditional version of the game. But they are definately into being able to walk across campus to the playing fields and create thier own 'disc golf course' for an hour or two. They usually light up like a candle when discussing course design and where/when they could set up competitions. At Cal Poly, Sean De Rossi, the recreation director is starting up Thursday night almostGolf on the playing fields the same way they do at USC. Exciting times. Welcome to the evolution of golf. The only downside for us is that we don't live close enough to Cal Poly to come out and play.
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Off-Course Blog 
