The SCGA would like to wish every Southern California Golfer a happy and healthy holiday season. 2021 didn't quite erase all the chaos of last year, but there's still plenty of reasons to be cheerful. In that spirit, we’ve put our list together of things we are grateful for:
This statement applies on multiple levels. I don't think anyone wants to revisit the nightmare of the golf shutdown of 2020, but let's not forget that you could also be living in a wintery hellscape instead of one of the greatest golf destinations in the world. While the lack of precipitation does lead to other issues, Southern California golf courses have adapted to keep their facilities green and environmentally conscious. You owe to all those stuck at home looking forlornly out the window for snow to melt to hit the links this holiday.
You may not have noticed, but golf courses have been much busier over the past year and a half. Participation numbers have dipped slightly from the post-lockdown boom of last summer, but still remain well above where they were in 2019. A record 3 million golfers picked up the game in the past year and the scene on the course is more diverse than ever. This may mean it's more difficult to book a tee time for the time being, but an influx of new golfers is great news for the long term future of the golf industry.
See ya, pool noodles and plastic cart separators. Hello, bunker rakes, ball washers, 19th holes, and the sweet sound of the ball rattling the bottom of the cup.
When the world shut down last year, a lot of discussion was focused around the concerns of remote work. However, as we've learned since then, not only are people generally responsible enough to get work done outside of an office, but there are numerous benefits to not wasting time in pointless meetings or stuck in traffic. As hybrid, more flexible work schedules become the norm for many businesses, make sure to free up some time for a mental health break to soak in some sunlight on the course and save work for after the lights go on. Now work is one less pesky thing to get in your way of playing more golf.
The number of new golfers isn't the only thing that's increased this year; golf groups are sprouting up all over Southern California and growing faster than ever. Whether you've just picked up the game or are a long-time player looking to add more golf to your life, whether your handicap is a 4 or a 34, joining a community of like-minded golfers will have you playing more golf and having more fun.
If you want to be a part of the SCGA's mission of growing and supporting the game of golf in Southern California, consider joining or renewing your membership. Either way, we're just grateful for you.