Welcome to the opening piece of the Golf House Kentucky Year in Review. A vast majority of folks are looking forward to a fresh start in 2021 after what has been a difficult, trying year for so many. 2020 will certainly be unforgettable for a wide variety of reasons from a negative perspective, but the glass is half-full here at Golf House Kentucky. We will look back on the year that was and recall the good things that happened, of which there were many in Kentucky golf. To start off, we will uncover almost half the year by circling back to January through May.

When the year and decade started, the world was “normal.” Golf House Kentucky welcomed Jeff Adkerson, PGA onboard as the organization’s new Executive Director. A bevy of Kentucky PGA Members traveled to Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show. Golf industry workers and golfers alike were getting plans configured for a big 2020 season on the golf course.

And then March came around. Just before the shutdown, the Dever | E-Z-Go Spring Member Conference took place for the Kentucky PGA. The big highlight of the day as it always is during the Spring Conference was the unveiling of the Section’s Special Award recipients. A salute to each of these folks who took home these honors that day:  

• Chad Martin, PGA – Golf Professional of the Year
• Jake Martin, PGA – Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
• Eric Gilliland, PGA – Deacon Palmer Award
• Colby Wollitz, PGA – Player Development Award
• Mitchell Moore, PGA – Teacher of the Year Award
• Derrick Griffitts, PGA – Youth Player Development Award
• Kevin Childers, PGA – Bill Strausbaugh Award
• Sara Stephens, PGA – Horton Smith Award
• Corey Stith, PGA – Merchandiser of the Year (Private)
• Robert Costello, PGA – Merchandiser of the Year (Public)
• Matthew Laurance – Media Representative of the Year
• Robb Spencer – Sales Representative of the Year

A week and a half later, the world turned upside down and everyone was forced to adapt to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic. While a majority of workers in the state began working from home, it should be noted and appreciated that golf course employees trudged through the uncertainty and continued to provide golfers an “escape” onto the links. From the General Managers to bag room employees to maintenance teams and everyone in between, a massive thank-you this year is deserved for each of these folks. It always is, but in this year especially, and even moreso in the quarantine phase.

What this group did from March onward was a master class in adaptability. Nearly every facility in the state experienced a record number of rounds played for the year, but courses had to take this challenge on with stipulations such as one golf cart per person, modifying the setup of holes/flagsticks, doing these things while socially distanced… all while under the great unknown of if they’d bring the virus in and spread it in their homes. Their efforts were brave, courageous and as far as we can tell, they did an outstanding job under the circumstances.

Because while the pandemic has created so many negatives, one positive has been the growth of the game. A record number of Kentuckians picked up a club this year and gave the sport a try since there were few other things to do in the spring. The sacrifices and work of the Kentucky PGA Members and Kentucky Golf Association’s Member Clubs got people both young and old hooked on the game. The task now is to keep these people continually interested in golf and make them consistent participants of the game.

But whether you’re new to the game or have played your entire life, let us say thank-you for heeding the precautions, following protocols and doing your part to keep the golfing community of Kentucky safe. Our organization preached safety and your assistance since day one of the pandemic and it perhaps became tiresome at times, but the patience and cooperation displayed is most appreciated. In a post-pandemic world, we hope the momentum golf generated in 2020 leads to great things down the road and we’re excited to do our part in making that happen.

By and large, the stretch of mid-March through the end of May was a dark time for our community and the collective human race. Thankfully, golf in Kentucky was able to survive and thrive even though Golf House Kentucky tournaments were unable to take place. Beginning with our recap of June tomorrow, we’ll look back on each tournament and recall the best competitive moments Kentucky golf engineered in 2020.