NGCOA's Player Development Award winners increase participation, revenues.

Along with a commitment to grow the game, winners of the National Golf Course Owners Association's 2006 Player Development Awards have another characteristic in common: creativity.

At Cyprian Keyes GC in Boylston, MA, for example, Friday nights have turned into a social occasion for golfers of all ages and abilities. For just $30, participants in the club's Nine & Dine league are treated to nine holes of golf, golf car, prizes, and dinner. "We're averaging 40 to 45 people a week, and everyone is having a great time," said David Frem, general manager.

Juniors learning the game at Carson Valley Golf Course at Gardnerville, NV, keep score not by marking down a number, but by circling smiley faces or frowns on a scorecard designed by Head PGA Golf Professional Alan Hoover. "It's a simple thing to move the emphasis away from scoring and put it on having fun;' says owner Tom Brooks.

In San Jose, CA, earlier this year, students at a local elementary school hiked along a nature trail from their school to the Los Lagos Golf Course as members of the maintenance staff and golf shop personnel led a discussion about the area's environment and wildlife habitat. Once at the course, the innovative field trip also included hotdogs and a putting contest.

The NGCOA's annual Player Development Awards recognize courses that introduce golfers of all ages to the game and increase participation and revenues. Cyprian Keyes, Los Lagos/Rancho del Pueblo, and Carson Valley were chosen by owners and operators who make up the NGCOA's board of directors. The award winners will be recognized at the NGCOA's annual Conference on Feb. 21 in Anaheim, CA.