Play9 Day Set For Wednesday, July 29

By Rebecca Gaona, P.J. Boatwright Intern

Dinner reservations to get to by 5 o'clock?

Back pain through the first seven holes?

With the time it takes to play 9 holes, it gives anyone a fighting chance to improve their game and still have fun with limited barriers.

The second annual PLAY9 Day is set for Wednesday,July 29, for all USGA Member Clubs. The USGA intends to gather all interested players to inspire more involvement and play in the game of golf.

Every USGA Member Club may take the opportunity to create PLAY9 support throughout any type of golf course.

Among the New Jersey clubs hosting Play9 Day are the new Skyway Golf Course in Jersey,City Ash Brook and Galloping Hill in Union County and Heron Glen in Ringoes. Not many people are aware of how many golf courses provide nine-hole rates. Whether it is a private or public institution, the game of golf could always use more participation.

“I’m a huge proponent of Play9 Day. There needs to be more nine-hole courses. If you read about the demise of golf, it’s about too much time and money. As a nine-hole course at Skyway, we minimize the price and take half the time to play,” said Chris Wenger, head professional at Skyway, whose course will taken over by the USGA as a special promotion of Play9 Day.

“We’re looking forward to hosting the USGA and helping build recognition that nine-hole rounds will bring more players to the game. It’s a great way to attract to more golfers to the game,” said Wenger, whose course has been a huge success since it opened in early June, averaging 240 rounds per day.

As for playing 18 holes, the time constraint as well as the amount of skill it takes to complete all 18 tends to be a lot for beginner golfers.

As for different level golfers, trying out PLAY9 for a day may have perks the USGA can bring out. For example, for more competitive players, a bigger challenge and competitive theme for PLAY9 will work.

Throughout television coverage of the U.S Open at Chambers Bay, the USGA was publicizing the initiative sending out the information to anyone involved in golf.

This movement is not only for beginners, but also for anyone who loves the game of golf.

Around the country, golf courses will be gathering in different events that involve nine holes of golf. Whether it be a nine and dine, or a friendly round of match play, the objective for PLAY9, is to get out and enjoy a short game of golf.

According to the USGA, 60 percent of golfers perceive the nine-hole round as a great way to introduce non-golfers to the game. With that being said, it is monumental to gather everyone at golf courses world wide to make this a day for any type of golfer.

GHIN, the handicapping system the USGA operates, allows golfers to post nine-hole scores as well as 18-hole scores. 9-hole posting is convenient for any type of golfer, whether it be a weekend warrior or the scratch golfer.

Golf participation in the United States has surprisingly decreased.

Equipment, playing rates, and traveling expenses has risen in the last decade. Initiatives like PLAY9 Day are planned in order to increase play and participation in golf.

According to a study by the National Golf Foundation, it is expected that the number of golfers will grow by about 3 million by 2020.

PLAY9 Day will be vital to the game of golf and its progressive idea has done wonders in the past year for golf participation.

Many golf courses in New Jersey are participating in this event; some may be in your own backyard.