ASGCA Past President Bob Lohmann is a supporter and active participant in the First Links program created by PGA of America and ASGCA. He wrote about his experiecne and how the program may evolve in “Golf Course Industry” magazine.
“First Links is designed to encourage facilities to modify an existing layout or use undeveloped areas to teach beginners or assist ‘lapsed’ players in returning to the game. Course facilities apply for these grants and an ASGCA member is sent out to approved-applicant courses to assess the site for game-growing opportunities”
Lohmann calls for the “next step” to be fund development programs which would allow courses with new plans in hand to put thoseplans into action. He cites work his firm has done with Links Across America, “because Links Across America provides that mechanism, that bridge to construction and day-to-day operations that these ‘grow the game’ facilities need.”
Lohmann cites projects his firm and others have done with Links Across America, and also discusses the role of First Tee in bringing players to the golf course.
The complete “Golf Course Industry” article can be read here.