Many countries in Europe don’t allow people on to the golf course until they can demonstrate a certain proficiency. They get a certification card that lets the golf course owner know that they are capable of shooting a reasonable score and moving around the golf course without holding up play. It might sound draconian, but the people I met in Europe seem to enjoy the game so much more and stay with it. They don’t mind having to prove themselves to play. I think it inspires them to become better golfers. Oh, and they all walk.
Here in the good old US of A, we let anyone saddle up and ride off into the abyss whether they have ever touched a club or not. We don’t care which tees they play, or even make an effort to tell them which tees would make their day more enjoyable. In fact the golf industry does little to emphasize controlled play. Manufacturers just glow about their new drivers that guarantee 20, 30 or 50 more yards. Then courses get longer and longer and people swing harder and harder. Did you ever look at some of the average golfer’s drivers, scuff marks on the top of the club over the toe, dents in the top, or my favorite, snapped at the hosel where the poor schnook struck the ball so hard the head flew off.
So, I favor a certification process for new golfers. After they learn the basics, I would make them play nine holes from 100 yards and they would have to shoot 45 or better. Then they could move to 200 yards with the same score objective. Once they achieve both, they can move to a regulation course and become a fully certified golfer when they break 100. Throughout the process they would have some means of charting their progress with statistics of their rounds that they can bring to a pro for his input on where to spend their practice time. It should be a part of every pro’s lesson plan to go out with them at the 100 yard stage to encourage and critique their round upon completion. Maybe in this way new golfers will learn that golf is about strategy and positioning, not just whacking the ball all over the planet. They just might enjoy the challenge more.
Copyright © 2011 United States Golf Teachers Federation, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this article in any kind is strictly prohibited.
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