If you follow this blog, you already know we recognize how hard the game of golf can be. People like me, who’ve been playing for a quarter of a century, still struggle in ways reminiscent of a newbie fresh off their first round.

That being said, perhaps the biggest challenge to the game is retaining new golfers. But that’s a hard sell if someone is being asked to fork over their hard-earned money on a game that is offering little reward on their investment.

We veterans understand there’s more to the game of golf than just playing well. But think back to when you were a newbie…do you remember the frustration?  We would take cues from the pros (who make it look so easy) and then struggle just to hit the ball in the air, let alone make par!

But the reality is we’re taught from a very young age that we have to be good at what we do…and this is why the game loses so many players within the first year or two. Golf is hard! The frustration of not being good sometimes overshadows the other great attributes of golf (camaraderie, scenery, being out in nature, competitiveness, etc.).

While a lesson from your local pro can help, there’s another interesting way of enticing new golfers to stick to it – you can reward them for the little things! I was recently introduced to a small company that helps you give such rewards…in the form of awards!

Award Stand Golf is a website that: “…empowers golfers to create awards online for themselves and others. We are trying to provide golfers with pieces of ‘permanent positivity’ that they can give and receive to memorialize their on-course experiences.”

Taking a quote from the GolfStinks about page, there’s always that one awesome shot or that one great hole that keeps us coming back for more. And this is what Award Stand Golf wants to embrace. Birdie a hole? There’s an award for that! Sink a 40-foot putt? They’ve got an award for it! Pull off a miracle shot from the woods 30 yards off the fairway? Yep, there’s an award. In fact, via their website you can customize an award so almost any glimmer of good can be immortalized!

So if you know a golf newbie or if you just want to re-energize your current foursome, remember, a little pat on the back can go a long way! Award Stand Golf has a wide variety of award types – and if you’re interested, email GolfStinks (info@golfstinks.com) to inquire about discounts!