For the last 10 years, Randy Towner, head golf professional at the Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, Kansas, has been conducting a free clinic for community leaders in an effort to spark interest early in the season.
Towner offers what he calls “the movers and shakers in the community”—civic leaders, local celebrities, car dealers and media members—a chance to participate in a complimentary clinic. The makeover for the two dozen participants takes place during two two-hour sessions over two days.
“Our club has benefited greatly from these events,” Towner says. “For four hours of work, there’s simply no better way to expand your footprint in the community.”
In addition to the Firekeeper staff, other area professionals sometimes work the event. Their instruction focuses on a fundamental refresher, from the short game to the full swing, and is presented in a low-key, laid-back manner.
The results have been positive. Additional lessons have been booked, more corporate outings have been added to the Firekeeper schedule, more equipment and balls have been sold, and new members have joined the club.
Towner believes the “Extreme Golf Makeover” idea can be used at any facility that’s willing to reach out to the community. “But if I were a professional who is new to an area, this would be the first thing I would do,” he says.
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