Lester George, ASCGA, of George Golf Design is making presentations this fall to Golf Range Association of America members at a series of GRAA “boot camps.” George is promoting the value of better practice environments for golfers and facility owners/operators.
George spoke most recently at the camp at Mistwood Performance Center and Golf Club in Romeoville, Illinois. GRAA welcomes PGA Professionals, owners, managers, superintendents, and operators (about 30 at each event) to share ideas and trends in golf and bring fresh ideas to their facilities. Their mission is to harness the combined power of the staff at all types of facilities to grow their revenues, enhance their careers, and grow the game of golf.
“Working with PGA professionals on their facilities means varying budgets, logistical challenges and space limitations. Each presents a unique set of circumstances,” George said. “You start your planning as if you have no boundaries. Then you create your facility based on needs, financial feasibility and operational imperatives that are customized to enhance the teaching curriculum of that facility.”
Ryan Gingrow, PGA Magazine and GRAA Northeast Relationship Manager said, “Now more than ever, the practice range is the ‘hub’ of golfer development programs and serves as an entry point for those who have not been introduced to the game. Lester has provided excellent solutions for creating practice areas for all facility types to bring new golfers to the game and to keep the core player as well.”
“I can’t emphasize enough the growing need for genuinely educational practice facilities at clubs and courses,” George said. “Sometimes, the difference between a good facility and a great one can be as simple as offering real practice options for players that simulate conditions on the golf course to prepare them for their round. PGA professionals are where most initiatives to grow the game begin. The ASGCA and George Golf Design want to do whatever we can to help them evaluate, reevaluate and repurpose their facilities because that will benefit the game of golf.”