GOLF 20/20 created the Link Up 2 Golf program in 2001 as a response to its research findings and discussions held at the 2000 conference. It provided the answer the industry needed, a “welcome to golf” to new players or infrequent players and a “welcome back” to former players.

GOLF 20/20 designed Link Up 2 Golf to provide a supportive and relaxing atmosphere that eliminated the nervousness often associated with entering the game. The program seeks equally to help players forge an emotional connection with the sport that furthers retention, to emphasize the all-important range-to-course transition process and to track new players to determine the effort’s effectiveness.

The course incorporates lessons learned from several other player development programs, including the American Golf Corporation’s Nike Golf Learning Centers and the NGCOA’s City Blitz. The concept was tested at eight facilities in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina—with much success.

At the 2001 GOLF 20/20 conference, the PGA of America and the NGCOA announced they were joining forces to assume management of Link Up 2 Golf. Since then, the program has expanded into a nationwide effort, and it has become an important part of PGA of America’s umbrella Play Golf America initiative.

As offered today, Link Up 2 Golf develops players through eight hours of enjoyable group instruction, which covers how to swing the club, chip, pitch and putt. Just as importantly, on-course etiquette, terminology and three “on-course experiences” are included. The clinics culminate in a fun scramble and graduation. Players receive all of these benefits for a low set price, which makes it affordable to begin playing.