Golfdom, January 2016

THE GOLFDOM REPORT JUST FOR KICKS Alternative forms of golf are out there but readers seem doubtful of their usefulness Alternative forms of golf to get consumers on the golf course like FootGolf and oversized cups have been popping up in recent years as a way to save golf Some courses have seen numbers increase while others have not tried the new ideas But do superintendents think they can help the game According to our survey only 15 percent of Golfdom readers believe that these spinoffs of golf will help grow the game Brian Burke superintendent at Sycamore Creek CC Springboro Ohio thinks that FootGolf and oversized cups can help grow the game because getting a person on the property is never a bad thing We cant be closed minded FOOTGOLF TOPGOLF FLINGGOLF WILL ANY OF IT HELP GROW THE GAME Im unsure 15 It can and will It cant and wont 33 and we have to look outside of the box says Burke That is why FootGolf and 15 inch cups are out there as an option for golf courses Its about getting people excited to come to the property Topgolf is on Burkes mind too because one of the newest locations will be opening this summer about 30 minutes away from Sycamore Creek CC in West Chester Ohio Hes excited to see people experience the game outside of a golf course and hopes it can take away the stigma of how stuffy the game can be More people with a golf club in their hand cannot be a bad thing and I think its going to take off when it comes to my area says Burke Mike Bremmer superintendent at Milwaukees Wisconsin Club says that attention 52 should be paid to these new forms of the game I think these alternate forms are bringing in more gol fers to the game To t he g ame s traditionalists they are bizzare but who cares if more people are playing Mike Bremmer says Bremmer Im also wondering if the National Golf Foundation is tracking rounds from these people who are coming into the game because of FootGolf and oversized cups The only way we will ever know is if you can track and analyze it Jim Campbel l superintendent at Prairie Dunes CC Hutchinson Kan says that he is with the 52 percent of professionals who are unsure 28 Golfdom January 2016 Golfdom com