Kann Advisory Group : GOLF: A Dad's Perspective on Why Golf Might Be Struggling a Bit

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

GOLF: A Dad's Perspective on Why Golf Might Be Struggling a Bit

My 10 year old daughter has fallen head over heels for golf. She takes weekly lessons, she’s improved quickly… she even watches Michael Breed and Martin Hall on Golf Channel! Coach said she was ready for the course in moderation so Monday I took her to a terrific 9-hole par 3 layout figuring her first real experience would be relaxing and special. What we found were several groups of highly skilled players competing. So what happened? We let one group after another play through.. just as we should… but I spent more time explaining etiquette than I did giving encouragement.

After just a couple holes, enthusiasm dwindled, the rear-view mirror dominated our thoughts and we departed back to the range.

I bring this up … as perspective on why – perhaps - reports keep coming out that the number of rounds played are in decline… and attracting new players is such a chore.

A front page article recently talked about country clubs in crisis… re-inventing themselves to re-build membership. Re-build? Here’s my question: has anybody realized that someday there might not be a base to pull from if beginners are too intimidated to set foot on a golf course and actually BEGIN? I sure hope so.

By the way... management gladly provided a rain check - which was nice. My fear is that my up-n-comer might not be so anxious to use it.

2 comments:

Brendon R. Elliott, PGAMarch 16, 2011 at 8:53 PM
Kraig,

I invite you and your daughter out to Winter Park Country Club where we strive to make golf non-intimidating for newbies and make the atmosphere warm and inviting to all! Plus...we are a 9 hole, regulation, mostly walking golf course!

Brendon R. Elliott, PGA
Manager/Head Golf Professional
Winter Park Country Club
ReplyDelete
Replies
UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Great point Kraig. My wife wants to learn to play and would even go out with me for a fun practice round. But she's so worried about being terrible and slowing people down that she won't go. Perhaps public courses should set aside t-times for novice and "never-evers" to go out; say after 4pm. If other golfers went out after then, they would have to realize that there were beginners on the course and would have to be patient.
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add comment

Finding Success in Business - My Tip of the Week

In starting HTK MEDIA, joining LPGA as its Chief Communications Officer, and now leading Kann Advisory Group, I've learned more about daily organization and the importance of networking and business relationships than I had in all my years of working in television. Most people just go to work, do their job and head for home with little structure to their day. The good people come to work, create ideas and spend the day trying to make a difference - bringing others up in the process.

Tip - Be a "Difference-Maker." Business relationships that last are formed through using personal experiences to help build the brand of others. The key to keeping them? Confidence and delivering on the ideas you're selling. With all that, your brand sells itself.

The "Why" Behind This Blog

Sitting in the Golf Channel television studio back in 2010 during a lengthy rain delay, I decided that idle time needs a purpose. What could I do to put my experiences in front of an audience and help others become better? And thus ... a blog was born in between hosting a pre-game and post-game show.

First of all, these thoughts are my own.

I've spent twenty-five years in front of the camera as an anchor and network host at Golf Channel/NBC.

So aside from talking on TV, you might ask ..."what does this guy really know beyond teleprompters and make-up and what has he really done?" Good question ... here's the list:

* Leadership and Team Building
* Strategic Communications and Marketing
* Brand Management and Elevation
* Message and Content Development
* Traditional, Social and Digital Media Expansion
* Media Coaching and Presentation Skills Training
* Broadcast Talent, Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador

I was blessed to spend an equally rewarding five-plus as Chief Communications Officer at the LPGA. I've seen plenty in the world of professional and collegiate sports, media, broadcast television and corporate communications. I've elevated the brands of blue chip corporations and senior executives through strategic messaging and delivering for them on stages in front of big audiences that matter to them.

In November 2016, I officially formed Kann Advisory Group with designs on using my experience to elevate people, brands and events through strategic media and marketing communications. For years, I've built and delivered creative messages and worked to lift the brand images of others. So... this is the place where I'll share my thoughts on what I've experienced traveling around the world building brands and delivering messages over the years.

"I get tremendous satisfaction from the creation and development of ideas that get results, strategic concepts that get people and brands noticed, and I will always push people to be better." Kraig Kann

I post about Media Messaging, Media Coaching, Individual Branding, Public Speaking, and other professional tips and personal stories that have helped me along my career path.

I'ts my belief that it's not just about finding a platform - its about building one and then using what you've built to do something special that adds value to others. I hope you enjoy and I always welcome your feedback.

Enjoy!

Kraig

I'm Glad to Have Helped