The World Golf Foundation has reported a strong industry reception to the new adult player development initiative, Get Golf Ready, since the program's launch in late January. The online facility application process began on Jan. 29, to coincide with presentations at the PGA Merchandise Show. The following week, additional presentations at the Golf Industry Show stimulated further industry interest.

Only 45 days after launch, the program has exceeded the 2009 target of 700 certified facilities offering Get Golf Ready. As of March 17, 803 facilities have been certified to host Get Golf Ready programs, and another 250 facilities have applied but not yet been certified. They expect several hundred additional facilities will be certified to offer the program in 2009.

"We are extremely pleased with the early use of the Get Golf Ready platform," said Bob Combs, Senior Vice President of Communications, Research and Public Affairs for the World Golf Foundation. "It is gratifying to see the industry support is strong at both the facility level and industry sponsorships."

The 2009 Get Golf Ready host sites are geographically dispersed throughout the country. However, the following six metro markets have been targeted for 2009 for a greater concentration of host sites: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Portland, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. A minimum of 10 facilities have been certified to offer Get Golf Ready in each of these markets.

Get Golf Ready continues to function as extremely effective industry collaboration. The PGA of America is providing significant support in the areas of player development, promotion and technology, and has made Get Golf Ready the featured "Play Golf America" program for 2009. The National Golf Course Owners Association, the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and the International Association of Golf Administrators, among others, are aggressively promoting the initiative with their memberships.

An industry coalition of more than 60 organizations and individuals have committed more than $2.5 million in funding over three years to support the payment of $1,000 stipends to participating facilities.

In January, the World Golf Foundation announced the hiring of PGA and LPGA Professional Cathy Harbin for the role of Director GOLF 20/20 and administrator of Get Golf Ready. Harbin brings a very strong industry background to the position and most recently served as General Manager for Honors Golf's two World Golf Village facilities. Harbin also is a member of CMAA.