More than a Handicap
By Lyn Nelson, CEO/Executive Director “
As we look back on 2012 and into the future, however, I see an increasingly vibrant and healthy game emerging from those examinations. It doesn’t take a scratch player to be moved by Bubba Watson’s personal story, his daring style and gutsy Masters win. The rest of the major champion class of 2012— Webb Simpson, Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy—underscore the global reach of our game and the lasting appeal to both young and old.” –ARNOLD PALMER’S STATE OF THE GAME
I
f Arnie says it…it just must be so, and what a great way
to look forward to what 2013 will bring with indications that golf is recovering. The National Golf Foundation is reporting that rounds grew nationally by 7.6% in 2011 over 2010. I think all of us in the in-
dustry are looking forward to seeing the game grow. Statisti- cally, the NCGA saw a record number of tournament entries in 2012, witnessed the number of rounds played this year through Youth of Course grow from 50,000 to 60,000, and is happy to report that our Junior Tour member roster grew as well. While NCGA member- ships were down slightly over 2011, we were better than our budget, and we hope to see more people join in 2013. Our member programs continue to broaden through more courses joining the online Tee Time Portal, and we continue to add more member discounts for you to enjoy. Even though Poppy Hills will close in March, many great courses on the Monterey Peninsula (Quail Lodge, Bayonet and Black Horse, Del Monte, Pacific Grove) will offer special discounts to NCGA members to maintain great golf value for your membership. Many people believe
that all the NCGA does is provide a handicap, and while
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that is one of the three core functions of a regional golf association (the other two are course rating and running amateur championships), the NCGA does so much more. The Association also produces and publishes NCGA Golf magazine and distributes it four times per year to more than 160,000 members; offers discounts at its two golf courses Poppy Hills and Poppy Ridge; provides compli- mentary clinics; offers many fantastic amateur tournaments and events; helps fund and oversee the NCGA Founda- tion that provides life skills programs through golf to more than 8,400 kids in the region; and offers discounts for products and services such as Hyatt Hotels, Verizon Wireless, American Airlines, Hertz Rent-a-Car, Dell Com- puter and tickets to Warriors, Giants and Kings games, to name a few.
One of the most valued
and least recognized roles of the organization is to be your voice in golf as the indus- try faces challenges relating to water conservation, the environmentalists’ efforts to close Sharp Park Golf Course and the looming challenges of the proposed bills to tax golf. The NCGA, along with the SCGA and the SCPGA, share the expense each year of hiring a lobbyist to watch the actions taken at the state level that could impact golfers. In 2009, there was a bill introduced that proposed a 10% tax on all things golf (membership initiation fees, monthly dues, green fees, cart fees, lessons, etc.). The NCGA—along with the NCPGA and many other allied associations— rallied hard to raise funds to fight the bill, and managed to win the battle that would have cost every golfer in California hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in increased fees each year. Tax initiatives will not go away, and we continue to monitor this closely at all times on golfers’ behalf. We are your voice in golf. In 2013 we will build an area on our website that will focus on what is taking place in our state so you can be better informed. We believe it’s our job to ensure you get to enjoy playing the game, while we do our best to take care of it for you. On behalf of the entire
NCGA and Poppy Holding staff, we wish you the very best in the 2013.
Sharp Park News We are very happy to report that Federal Court Judge Susan Illston dis-
missed the case filed against Sharp Park Golf Course on Dec. 6 of last year. Based on scientific evidence, the judge determined in her findings that the practices of maintaining a golf course did not adversely affect the life of the red legged frog, an endangered species. This lawsuit, filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, was a potential landmark case that could have impacted the maintenance practices of any golf course that provides habitat for endan- gered species. The golf community is very indebted to the passionate and dedicated work
by the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance led by attorneys Bo Links and Rich- ard Harris, along with the law firm of Morrison and Foerster, which represented the many golfers who play and believe in the little Alister MacKenzie-designed seaside gem on a pro bono basis. The city of San Francisco is also to be com- mended for defending the suit and protecting Sharp Park Golf Course.
NCGA GOLF
Editorial & Business Office 3200 Lopez Road/P.O. Box NCGA Pebble Beach, CA 93953 831/625-4653 Fax: 831/625-0150 Internet Address:
www.ncga.org E-mail:
ncgainfo@ncga.org
Communications & Magazine Fax: 831/622-0560
Course Rating & Handicapping and Membership Fax: 831/622-0549
Rules & Competitions Fax: 831/622-0580
Poppy Hills Golf Course Golf Reservations: 831/625-2035 Fax: 831/626-5421
Administration: 831/625-1513 Golf Shop: 831/622-8239
Poppy Ridge Golf Course Golf Reservations: 925/456-8202 Fax: 925/455-2020
Administration: 925/447-6779 Golf Shop: 925/456-8202
Editor and Publisher Scott Seward
Communications Manager Kevin Merfeld
Art Direction & Production Great Graphics, Laurie Lee
Advertising Manager Tom Black 562/590-5143
2013 Publication Dates Spring edition ................ April 22 Summer edition .............. July 23 Fall edition ............... October 21
Photos in the magazine: Joann Dost, Scott Seward
and Kevin Merfeld. Some photos supplied by featured golf courses and credited when necessary. NCGA Golf Magazine (ISSN-1524-4385) is pub-
lished quarterly by the Northern California Golf Associa- tion, 3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach, 93953. All rights reserved, including right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Members pay an annual subscription fee of $1. Printed in U.S.A. Please send change of ad- dress notice on Member Change form (available at your club). Periodi- cal postage paid at Pebble Beach, CA and additional mailing offices. Advertising contained herein does not constitute endorsement by the Northern California Golf Associa- tion. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NCGA Golf Magazine, P. O. Box NCGA, Pebble Beach, CA. 93953-1157.
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