For the third year in a row, the USGA is sponsoring and promoting PLAY9 Days across the United States. This year, however, rather than focusing on a specific day, the USGA has designated the ninth day of each month as PLAY9 Day throughout the golf season. (July 9, August 9, September 9 and October 9).
Launched in 2014, the USGA encourages golfers of all ages and abilities to take time to play 9 holes. While many non-golfers state time and money as reasons they don’t play golf, this campaign is designed to encourage people to spend two hours on the golf course playing, rather than not playing at all.
EWGA Board Member Jon Last from the Sports & Leisure Research Group shares a report with the USGA that states 60 percent of golfers perceive that 9-hole rounds are a great way to introduce non-golfers to the game. It’s a great way to experience the game, without consuming large amounts of time to play or when time does not allow for an 18-hole round.
Some benefits of playing 9-holes include:
· Less time commitment to play 9-holes than playing 18 holes
· It helps new golfers learn the game’s fundamentals, Rules and etiquette in a less intimidating manner
· Golfers may post nine-hole scores for handicap purposes
· Nine-hole rounds may be more cost-effective than an 18-hole round
More than 30 percent of the public courses in the United States are nine-hole golf facilities and 90 percent of 18-hole public facilities offer rates to play nine-holes. Building on the success from the first two years, the USGA hopes to increase awareness and have more facilities and golfers participate throughout the summer and fall months this year. Golfers are encouraged to share their experiences on social media and post photos using the hashtag #PLAY9Golf.
USGA Executive Director Mike Davis states, “What we love about PLAY9 is the opportunity to welcome more people – both recreational golfers and non-golfers alike – to enjoy the great game of golf.”