Make 2009 a great golf year!

Well, we have finally staggered into 2009 and, despite prognostications and daily media stuff, it’s going to be a better year than 2008 (it can’t be worse) and it’s time for everyone to show some signs of optimism, especially when it comes to our favourite game … golf.

Enough of the depressing news surrounding the economy and the weather, neither of which we can control.  Let’s concentrate on what we can control and put our thoughts on a brand new year with a new and refreshed attitude.

Here are some ways to make 2009 a ‘good golf’ year.

• Start the year with a golf vacation

Book a trip and play some golf (it’s great therapy and it gets you away from the doom and gloom in the daily media). On your trip, promise yourself not to pick up a newspaper or turn on a radio. Just play some golf!

Plan to visit a place that you have have never been to before.  Check out the multitude of golf holiday ideas that are currently being offered – you might be surprised at the opportunities. Gas prices are the lowest they have been in a long time.  Airlines are frantically looking to sell seats, hotels have vacancies, and golf courses are a bargain.

Take the leap and book that trip you have always been dreaming of.  Prices may never be better.   And when you return be sure and send us an email with your trip highlights – as always we’d love to hear from you.

To help you get started, here are some great golf destination ideas for you to look into.

Anywhere in North and South Carolina, the Phoenix / Scottsdale area of Arizona, Mexico, Mississippi, and the Dominican Republic, which by the way is growing rapidly as a fantastic golf destination.  All are fantastic spots and will provide you with all the golf and fun that one could wish for.  Just ‘google’ your planned location spot or call your local Uniglobe Travel consultant and book today!

• Check out all the local  golf deals available

If you’re stuck in southern Ontario for the winter, and trying to save some money, check out the region’s golf shows where golf retailers and golf travel consultants will undoubtedly tee up some great deals.

The Hamilton Golf and Travel Show is, once again, slated for the Hamilton Convention Centre on Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1.  A week later the London Golf and Travel Show returns to the Western Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday February 7 and 8 respectively.  Great prizes and lots of local golf course news from the NGCOA ‘Play Ontario Pavilion’ at both shows.  For more info visit www.golf-show.com.

Later in February the three day Toronto Show is scheduled for the Metro Convention Centre on Friday February 27, Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1.  Check out www.torontogolfshow.com for all of the details.

All of these regional shows will give you a chance to check out Spring travel opportunities, test some of the new 2009 golf equipment and pick up a bargain or two at the many exhibiting retailers.

And don’t forget about your favourite local golf retailer. Talk to them about new products and ‘specials’ on inventory items.  Good deals abound!

• Start your 2009 golf season planning NOW

Believe it or not, it’s less than five months before we can all get out on our favourite local golf course. And you can be sure that ‘favourite course’ will be doing everything possible to keep you as a member (or a regular green fee player).

I know every owner is already looking at the upcoming season with some concern about rounds and business. Smart owners will be keeping membership rates and green fees at par (or lower) than last year. Those same smart owners will also be looking at every way to ‘add value’ to your golf experience and continue to market their facilities and programs. Others will cut marketing and revert to discounting (and they will suffer, unfortunately).

Either way, this will be an opportunity for golfers to search out the best deals and possibly play more rounds than last year. Do your homework. Use the GolfScene website and its listing of the top area courses. Check course websites or call and find out what your favourite courses are offering in 2009. You might be pleasantly surprised and it may result in more golf in 2009!

To quote Jeff Calderwood of the National Golf Course Owners Association, “golf is great therapy in tough times”.

Let’s all try to play 5 more rounds this year than last year.  It will be good for everyone and will help our ailing economy.

Norm Woods, Editor

May Also be of Interest:

• eBay Canada’s 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year
• GJAC Announces 2009 Player of the Year Awards
• A Good Golf Year is Ahead. Count on it.
• Great events to get out and see
• Happy Holidays 2009