CGCOA Course of the Year serves as Site for Growth of the Game Con.

October 31, 2009 -- City of Industry, CA- The California Golf Course Owners Association (CGCOA) remains committed to growing the game of golf, and thus, it will serve as the topic of discussion when members gather for the 2009 Fall Membership Meeting set for November 17, 2009 at Industry Hills Golf Club, a golf facility recently named Course of the Year by the CGCOA.

Conference co-chairmen Jay Miller (Hidden Valley GC) and Steve Plummer (Tustin Ranch GC) have assembled an impressive list of panelists who will share their knowledge about proven, player development initiatives, programs that will attract new players and increase business on course, range, and in the clubhouse.

The morning session will focus on successful junior golf programs. Panelists and respective topics include: Kevin Gigax (SCGA Youth on Course program), Henry Sandles (The First Tee-Bringing a Program to Your Area), Nikki Gatch (SCPGA Junior Tour and Tournaments), Tom Addis (National PGA Programs), and Jay Miller (Get a Grip Foundation-Helping Today's Youth).

The second session will focus on player development programs that attract target markets, like the successful Get Golf Ready in 5 Days which was successfully launched earlier this year through Golf 20/20 and Play Golf America. Presenters and topics for session II include: Caroline Jones (EWGA-Hosting Women's Golf), Steve Plummer (Participating in Golf Outreach Programs that Work for Your Facility), and Craig Kessler (PLGA-Grass Roots Golf: Welcome All).

"It is critical for golf course owners to share their best practices while also absorbing all they can from other industry experts," stated Ted Horton, Executive Director for the CGCOA. "I commend our co-hosts and event co-chairs for developing a conference that will be one of the most comprehensive growth of the game summits in the Western United States."

The afternoon session will hone-in on ways to attract the next generation of golfers, putting the "fun" factor into golf, and methods for fostering solid customer relationships. Panelists and topics include: Frank Jordan (Golf Little League-A New Growing Program), the duo of Tom Frost and George Kelley (Music and Make Golf Fun), and wrapping up with Jay Miller and Ed Smilow (Golf's Snowboarding & other Questions, Virtual Golf, and Attracting Gen X, Y, Z).

"Our CGCOA members are committed to creating enjoyable golf experiences that welcome new players to the game while also retaining existing golfers," stated George Kelley, CGCOA president and owner of Stevinson Ranch Golf Club. "As owners, we want to make sure that when a golfer spends time at one of our facilities, it's not only a positive experience but a memorable and fun one, too."

Each session will be moderated by CGCOA Member Ed Smilow, Esq., with the Professional Golfers Career College. This growth of the game conference follows the CGCOA board retreat slated for November 16 at Industry Hills Golf Club and Pacific Palms Resort. For more information please call (951) 246-2928 or visit: www.golfcalifornia.org.

The California Golf Course Owners Association is a non-profit organization committed to the stimulation of market growth for the golf industry in California. It partners with other organizations to help grow the game of golf through initiatives such as Play Golf America and its Get Golf Ready in 5 Days Program and Take Your Daughter to the Course Week. The CGCOA is also a supporter of Doctor's Orders: Play Golf, Golf 20/20, and the California Alliance for Golf.