What role do you think a golf course plays in building community?
In 1975 my gym teacher told us that when we got old, there would only be two sports that we could play: Golf and Checkers. I’m about to turn 68 years old, I now know what he was saying. The mind still functions but the body is screaming at me. Golf has been evolving over the years so that the handicap system makes us all equal in the game. This creates the community building we should all strive for in our society whether with family, friends, or the outside world.
People from all walks of life can play this sport together, forming lasting relationships and creating a better community that we all can live in.
I know the Genesis “Family” Home – [Genesis Distribution] supports a whole host of golfing and golf related events for charity or fund raising for many groups in the community needing support. I am sure that most of you have done these activities and have enjoyed every minute making friends and helping others.
There is also the business aspect of building community. I have been in foursomes playing golf to talk business for years. This doesn’t just build great friendships, but stronger business in the community. Working together as groups brings more people into the community ecosystem for a greater return for all.
My whole family plays golf. My daughter Sam is a great player and plays when we all get together, whether for charity or fun.
And as a Genesis family member, putting together booths at fund raising events under the business heading. Many times, she has come up with great games at these booths while the golfers go through. She charges a small fee for charity, and you get to do things like hit “Closest to the Keg”, “Farthest Marshmallow Drive”, or something called “Bowling With Coconuts and Pineapples”.
My wife plays but lately we find ourselves playing Miniature Golf with our twin 6-year-old grandkids. What a wonderful way to start them out, we’ve even taken them to Topgolf. Nothing like getting the kids into the swing early so that they become more involved with the community-at-large as they grow.
Zack, my son - is the bass player in the band ‘All Time Low’ and plays as much as he can when he gets home when taking a break from touring around the world.
He hits it over 300 yards on the drive, but no problem, I will get the forward tees. He has formed many friendships of his own playing, as well as business relationships. (He also gets involved in the fund raising for his community).
I am very proud that my family plays golf and helps in many community building activities. What a wonderful way to grow old. Surrounded by my family, friends, work family, and community.
-Mark S. Merrick, CGCS Retired
Introducing ‘Merrick Mondays’, a segment where we hear from Mark Merrick, our resident brand Ambassador, Chief ‘Cool” Officer, and general source of wisdom and secrets of the universe, to spotlight a dose of interview-style content, weekly.