Take advantage of World Cup stage
With the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 in full swing, we ponder what value this global event has added to the South African golf industry. In a previous issue of Tee to Green we published an article about the impact the football was - and would be having on the golf industry, and the general consensus from the clubs interviewed was that the impact was minimal at the time. (of writing that article). Most clubs interviewed felt that the benefit would only make itself known after the numerous fans, teams, press and other entourages entered the country, since few would pre-book their golf games.
The foremost story did not include an account of any activities or strategies that may have had to be undertaken in order to ensure that the golf industry capitalises on the World Cup by advertising its products and attractions. Nor did it seek to identify which authority or representative body should have been tasked with devising such strategies and implementing any associated activities.
Many of the foreign visitors would have been charged additional fees by airlines for the golf clubs they bring with them to South Africa. Consequently, several may have chosen to leave their clubs behind, causing a negative impact on the spin-off for the golf industry in South Africa during the World Cup. The availability of golf equipment for hire is of course, another issue that will affect the ability of foreigners to enjoy a game on the spur of the moment. Have golf clubs in the country taken this into account? Did anyone try to negotiate a “club fee waiver” with the airlines on behalf of the industry?
As a business involved with the FIFA World Cup, or one wanting to take advantage of the event in terms of relationship marketing opportunities in South Africa during the time it is being held, it is reasonable to assume that such businesses would have booked and organised any golf days or other golf-related activities in advance. Did the golf industry in South Africa advertise the fact that golf days, and even conferences at golf clubs, could be arranged? And were details of specialist golf operators and organisers promoted? From our own reading and observation, there did not appear to be much in the media, promoting the fantastic opportunities golf in South Africa has to offer the World Cup visitor.
In short, it is likely that the significant opportunity that the World Cup presented to the golf industry, was not fully appreciated nor utilised. Had there been a representative marketing body in place for the industry, it is probable that the situation would have been different - or at least the opportunity better exploited. If and when the golf industry manages to put together a representative marketing body, we will surely be able to garner more value from huge international sporting events that take place on our shores. Perhaps we can still take advantage of the spin-off the FIFA World Cup should leave in its wake for tourism... if we hurry!
GOLFER SAYS NO TO GOLF?
Yes, sir. Nathan Green, a PGA Tour player who won the Canadian Open a year ago, ditched the St. Jude Classic and US Open qualifier to watch the opening matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “I’m really not that interested in playing it,” said Green said. “I’d rather sit home on the couch and watch soccer than beat my head against a brick wall for four days.”
NOT COMING UP ROSES FOR JUSTIN
Justin Rose found out that winning the Memorial Open means jack when it comes to qualifying for the US Open. After lodging a bogey-free 66 in tough conditions at Muirfield Village to cap his first victory on US soil and moving to 33rd in the world rankings, the Englishman still couldn’t finish among the top 15 at a US Open qualifier to book a tee time at Pebble Beach.
NICKLAUS AND SORENSTAM COMBINE FOR OLYMPICS
Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam have teamed up on the bid to design an Olympic golf course for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Nicklaus confirmed that he and Sorenstam have written a letter to the International Golf Federation requesting they be considered as architects of the first Olympic golf course since 1904. "I think this is a very functional partnership," Nicklaus said. "There isn't a public course in Brazil and its imperative for the public to have access to the golf course long after the Olympics leave Rio de Janeiro, even if it's a resort.”
If selected, he said he and Sorenstam would collaborate on the strategy of each hole -- Nicklaus from championship tees for the men, Sorenstam with women in mind.
"I'll be surprised if they don't select us," Nicklaus said. "But I'm sure other people are interested."
PLAY OR BE GONE
In 2009, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem encouraged players to add a tournament to their schedule out of consideration to title sponsors in a tough economy. That plea now stands a decent chance to become policy that would require top players to add one tournament from a short list of events that traditionally have weak fields. Still to be determined is how to define a "top player," whether it's the world ranking or FedExCup standings. The board is expected to have a proposal to consider at its next meeting in July.
SEVE'S PHIL
A number of champions and former greats sent him notes or called while he recovered from a brain tumour, but said Seve Ballesteros, Arnold Palmer sent him a picture of a dog.
It was actually a photo of the King's dog, named Mulligan. "Because the doctors saved my life, they say now I use my mulligan," Ballesteros said. "So Palmer wrote: 'Seve, here's a Mulligan for you.’
The Spanish great decided to get his own dog and bought a Labrador puppy. After watching Phil Mickelson's inspiring victory at the Masters, Ballesteros decided to name the dog Phil.
WHO IS HALL WORTHY?
Ernie Els and Retief Goosen finally met the qualifying criteria for the World Golf Hall of Fame. Both turned 40 before 1 January 2010 and their names are the latest to be listed on the ballot for 2011.
Els appears on the PGA Tour ballot, sporting two US Opens, the 2004 Open Championship, 15 PGA Tour wins, 44 international victories, six President Cup appearances and two European Tour Order of Merit titles. Goosen, on the international ballot, boasts two US Open wins, 27 international victories, five Presidents Cup appearances and, like Els, two European Tour Order of Merit titles.
Goosen is up against Darren Clarke, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Colin Montgomerie on the International Ballot, while Els faces stiff competition from Davis Love III, Kenny Perry, Fred Couples, Ken Venturi and Fuzzy Zoeller on the PGA Tour ballot.
ELS-ENGELBRECHT SPLIT
Meanwhile, the decade-long winemaking venture between Els and Jean Engelbrecht, son of a former Springbok rugby player, is over. Business tycoon, Johann Rupert, who is the chairman of Els's holding company, said: "Ernie will be the sole shareholder when the deal is finalised . Ernie will own 100% of Ernie Els Wines." Despite talk in wine circles of a rift between Els and Engelbrecht, Rupert said the two "have always been and will always remain the best of friends". He added that Ernie Els branded wines will not be taken off the market.
