The numbers are staggering. Over 200,000 kids participate in high school golf each year, yet only 7 percent go on to play for a varsity college team. That means there is a huge potential to either engage or lose a significant number of players in the 18- to 22-year-old age range. That is where the PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) steps in, providing a place for those players to land if they want to compete in college but don’t get recruited or make a varsity team.
We – and I say we because I am also a PGA of America Member who has been in your shoes – are great at getting kids into the game, be that through PGA Jr. League, PGA Camps or your own amazing junior programs. We are fantastic when it comes to engaging our daily fee customers and members at our clubs. We make sure they enjoy thriving events, social activities, trips and relationships that keep them tied to the club.
There is a hole in this ecosystem, though, and that’s young adults. While there are plenty of good reasons for this – as they are usually venturing away from home, have limited disposable income and have a lot of new activities begging for their time – that doesn’t mean we can’t make an effort to welcome this group to the game.
Thankfully, the NCCGA exists to keep those golfers engaged within the ecosystem through club sports at universities. Those who aren’t playing on varsity teams can still compete and enjoy being in a community of golfers.
The NCCGA operates around 150 regional events across the country over a fall and spring season, each culminating in a National Championship. Most regional events are 36 holes conducted over a weekend. Hosting one will give you the chance to garner revenue from entries and engage with the young adult market. Deferred Compensation and PDR points are also available for PGA of America Professionals who actively host events.
So who are these club golfers? Aren’t they just college kids looking for cheap golf? NO! They are some of the most amazing and talented people you will meet. They are organizers, fundraisers, marketers and more. Some clubs do receive limited funding, but most members put forth a significant investment to participate in their events.
In short, they are your ideal future customer.
For example, Maxwell Weaver, the Club President at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, leads a club team that has prioritized engaging alumni and donors that typically focus on athletic departments. These efforts have resulted in fully-funded entry fees and travel expenses. They are now in the process of building an indoor practice facility just for the club team members. I’ve seen college coaches (of varsity teams elsewhere) struggle to get that kind of support.
Brianna Peters leads the club team at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. The club (pictured) has 80-plus member and engagement isn’t optional. They practice weekly all year, except during the summer. She joked that the University demands they take time off. There is a busy social calendar and volunteering in the community is mandatory. Clearly, club golf at UCF is about more than just golf.
This past year they volunteered for Buddy Ball, an organization where UCF club golf members play softball with children with disabilities. Brianna says, “We play a couple of times a semester after practices, and it’s amazing. We have created such a good relationship with them. I hope my team still volunteers even when I graduate.”
Beyond hosting an event, how can a PGA of America Professional leverage the NCCGA for their benefit? Reach out to your local university. Many clubs would love some kind of guidance from a PGA of America Professional. This is also a perfect opportunity to put PGA Modern Coaching principles into practice. The group aspect is already in place, and you just need to provide the PGA Coach.
If you have junior golfers heading to college, let them know this opportunity exists. The level of play at the top end of competition is outstanding. The last three medalists at the National Championships have shot scores of 8-under, 6-under and 4-under over tough tournament conditions. All levels of play are welcome in club team golf, but those with a thirst for competition will find plenty of it.
To learn more about hosting an event or finding a club team near you to get involved, contact me at bthompson@ pgahq.com or (503) 869-2827.
The NCCGA mixed with PGA of America Members is magical. Get involved with the NCCGA and give college students a reason to bring their clubs to the dorm and not leave them in the garage at home.