Far Hills, New Jersey, United States: With a broader focus on golf at the local level, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has rolled out plans in support of the PLAY9 programme.
Launched in 2014, PLAY9 has been educating and rallying golfers and non-golfers around the nine-hole round as an important, yet simple solution that addresses busy lifestyles, often cited as a barrier to the game’s participation.
“The USGA is proud to support PLAY9 and encourage everyone from newcomers to lapsed golfers to go out and play the game,” said Mike Davis, the USGA’s Executive Director/CEO.
“We are thrilled to see that participation for nine-hole golf is on the rise and we remain committed to programmes focused on allowing golfers to play in less time and fit golf into their busy schedules.”
In 2017, the USGA will be working closely with state and regional golf associations and courses throughout the United States that will host and promote local PLAY9 Days between May and October.
The USGA has also created online and printed toolkits for golf courses and facilities that are interested in hosting events. The toolkits offer posters, flyers and social media suggestions to raise awareness. Ideas for innovative themes and playing formats are also included.
“For someone like me, PLAY9 is a great opportunity to include my wife and kids for a fun and quick day out on the golf course,” said Troy Andrew, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Washington State Golf Association.
“It’s great to see the USGA’s energy behind this programme reminding people that being busy doesn’t mean that there’s no time for golf.”
In 2015, the USGA began to measure perceptions among both golfers and golf courses regarding the nine-hole round and the PLAY9 programme.
A 2016 study showed:

•  As reported by golfers, nine-hole rounds comprised one-third of rounds played in 2016. Women, casual players and golfers under age 55 appear to be driving the increase in nine-hole rounds.
•  Nine-hole scores made up between eight and nine per cent of all scores posted to the USGA’s GHIN system over the past three years (2014-2016), an increase from an average of six per cent from 2010-2013.
•  Perception of the nine-hole round as a simple, effective and time-friendly option to play the game increased from 46 per cent in 2015 to 54 per cent in 2016.
•  The perception that nine-hole rounds are encouraging people to play the game is particularly strong with women and private club members, with 78 per cent of both groups indicating that it is strongly positive.
•  As reported by golf facilities, the mean percentage of facility revenue generated by nine-hole rounds increased from 22 per cent in 2015 to 27 per cent in 2016.
•  Facilities have reported that the mean percentage of nine-hole starts increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 23 per cent in 2016.
•  Forty per cent of facilities saw a year-over-year increase in the number of nine-hole rounds played in 2016.