2020 has been equal parts revealing and confusing. We’ve been humbled. Our eyes have been opened. And for most of the year we’ve golfed in nicer clothes than we worked from home in.
For all these reasons and more, the SCGA would like to wish every Southern California Golfer a happy and healthy holiday season.
In that spirit, we’ve put our list together of things we are grateful for:
1. Southern California golf courses remain open for play
It’s been a tough year. There’s no way around it. A lot of individuals and businesses have struggled to make sense of the rules and regulations set forth by local, state and county officials. Luckily, golf has remained (mostly) open to participation and the SCGA has been on the front lines of that effort.
Our Government Affairs department has ensured that golf is represented at all levels of government and the organization has worked tirelessly to position golf alongside parks, beaches, walking/hiking trails, ball fields and playgrounds as an activity particularly amenable to the social distancing guidelines. The effort proved fruitful as golf was among the first activities restored to the lives of Southern Californians. The SCGA will continue to remain vigilant as we begin 2021 hopeful that some semblance of normalcy will be restored.
2. Golf participation is stronger than ever
In a year where many industries are fighting for their survival, golf is booming at a rate unseen since the emergence of Tiger. Largely due to the point above, golf courses are on pace to see an increase of 50 million rounds across the country compared to 2019. While it may mean that prime tee times can be harder to come by, take solace in the fact that golf’s demise has been greatly exaggerated.
3. SCGA Membership remains strong
The SCGA is endlessly thankful for our members, who represent the backbone of the golf industry in Southern California and continue to be the biggest advocates for the game of golf. Additionally, while the pandemic has thrown the world of tournament golf into flux, our club officials and tournament organizers have worked tirelessly to find creative ways to keep members engaged. This group of primarily volunteers make top-notch competitive golf for all golfers throughout Southern California a possibility. Due to their efforts, we’ve seen SCGA membership to grow to over 170,000 golfers this year, who allow us to continue to support and promote golf in SoCal.
4. SCGA Junior continues to serve SoCal youth
If you are unfamiliar with SCGA Junior, it might be worth checking out. The organization is dedicated to developing golf communities that enable kids to thrive on and beyond the course. It believes that every kid in Southern California, no matter their circumstance, should have the option to pursue the game and benefit from the opportunities that it provides. This mission continued in 2020, despite the health emergency. SCGA junior pivoted to virtual golf programming for junior golfers, which includes swing and fitness drills, girls golf online hangouts as well as an opportunity for kids to connect virtually with their SCGA Junior coaches.
No matter what 2021 brings, this work will continue.
5. 2021 Will Be Better
In 2020, we were lucky to have golf. It gave us an opportunity to escape from the craziness and confusion that dominated our day to day. With vaccines already being administered, this new year should fill the lives of SoCal residents with even more healthy distractions, added happiness, and plenty of golf.
If you want to be a part of the SCGA’s mission of growing and supporting the game of golf in Southern California, consider joining or renewing your membership. Either way, we’re just grateful for you.
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