Divot Mix

Left-handed golfers show increase

Lefties take comfort - there are more of you on the links than ever before. According to National Golf Foundation's latest consumer survey, 7.4 percent of adult golfers play left-handed. That's a statistically significant increase from the 5.6 percent the last time the foundation asked the question - 21 years ago in 1986. No one has investigated the reason for the shift, but NGF speculated that better availability of left-handed clubs, and the emergence of southpaw stars like Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir, have prompted the increase.

Rounds Up in September

Rounds of golf in the U.S. were up 4.4 percent on a same-facility basis in September 2007 vs. September 2006, due mainly to better weather. More than 70 percent of U.S. golf facilities fall into regions where weather was better this September vs. last. As a result of September performance, year-to-date rounds were virtually level with the same period last year (-0.2 percent).

With only about 16 percent of annual rounds played volume to come in the remaining three months of the year, we don’t expect the year-to-date number to move significantly for the rest of 2007. So, same-store rounds should finish the year roughly the same as 2006 on a national basis.

Rounds Played, 2007 vs. 2006
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations

Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart: Premium (High) - Above $70; Standard (Middle) - $40-$70; Value (Low) - Below $40. Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.

Project EverGreen announces third-quarter contributions

"United industry support is helping us maintain and expand our public service efforts focused on the benefits of green space."  This was the comment from Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen as he announced third quarter contributions to the national non-profit organization.

Gardner released a list of those who have provided financial support for the organization's educational activities during the period ending Sept. 30. They include:

• Andy Hull
• Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America
• Grasshopper Lawns Inc.
• The Professional Landcare Network
• The International Society of Arboriculture
• John Deere Landscapes
• Lesco
• Nufarm Americas Inc.
• Trugreen
• Paul Stolzfus
• Teresa Yocca.

As recent highlights of these efforts, Gardner mentioned representative programs which Project EverGreen has initiated or participated in. They include:

• Yard Enthusiasts of America
• GreenCare For Troops
• Project EverGreen Landscaped Areas Award
• Because Green Matters Scholarships

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ClubCorp Charity Classic raises more than $1.6 Million

ClubCorp has announced that it Charity Classic raised more than $1.6 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Augie's Quest; The PGA Foundation; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and ClubCorp's Employee Partners Care Foundation.

During the Oct. 19 event more than 150 private clubs opened their doors to the public for a day of fundraising events that consisted of dinners, live auctions, golf and tennis tournaments, and a variety of fitness activities. The event also included an online auction, which raised just over $64,000, offering such items as vacation getaway packages, private chef and wine dinners, and tickets to several high-profile golf tournaments.

"For the past 50 years, ClubCorp has been in the business of building relationships and enriching lives, but never more so than this past Oct. 19,” said Eric Affeldt, president and CEO. "I am so proud of our clubs, our employee partners, and our members for how they came together to provide extraordinary and unique experiences for those in their communities while also raising money for four very worthy causes.”