The folks at Denver Golf are hoping to attract new, younger golfers this spring and summer.
, under the purview of Denver Parks and Recreation, manages the city’s eight venues and is working to build up the 25-to-35-year-old golf customers with a variety of deals for both men and women.
“Golf in general across the board is declining, so we’re trying to create new things so you don’t have to spend as much time on the golf course, because time is a huge factor that deters people from playing,” said Leslie Wright, director of marketing for Denver Golf.
The organization will build on and continue programs that were successful in recent years such as the “VIP Card” that came with either free lessons or nine-hole rounds of golf.
This year the card will be revamped and separated into two cards that offer either lessons or golf, but not both. The details are not finalized on how many rounds or lessons will be included.
Lessons are done in groups and help beginners and intermediates all around the golf course, not just with the golf swing.
Becky Sharp, the head golf professional at City Park Golf Course, said it’s often hard for beginners to make the transition from the driving range to the course.
“It’s scary out there,” Sharp said. “This just hopefully helps them get over intimidation.”
Sharp said City Park, along with Willis Case, Wellshire and Overland Park golf courses, are the busiest in the city. City Park sold more than 50,000 rounds last year, which equates to well over 100,000 people. She’s expecting a better season this year with some of the good weather Denver had early on.
At Willis Case Golf Course in northwest Denver, adjacent to Interstate 70, the limited room at the course means limited programming, but golf pro Laura Beuhring said the course stays quite busy.
Willis Case doesn’t have a driving range, but there are several leagues and tournaments that use the course.
“We stay extremely busy, so we don’t have a lot of programs early in the season,” Beuhring said. “But we have a very tournament-friendly course.”
Golf pro Kirk Mease at Wellshire Golf Course said he’s noticed the decline in younger generations, but his course has stayed successful through recent years. He’s hoping gearing deals and providing better access online will help draw those 25-to-35-year-olds in. Wellshire also boasts a successful events center that is popular for weddings and parties.
Another demographic Denver Golf is trying to reach is women. Last year the Overland Park Golf Course in southwest Denver hosted a women’s event for beginners and intermediates to receive instruction. That event sold out and the course is once again hosting the event on May 30.
As for attracting millennials, Wright said it’s going to be about providing deals that can reduce time on the course and make it more affordable. She said golf has always been an
“I think now it’s getting a little more affordable — that’s part of our promotion,” she said. “We try to make it a price where everyone can come out and play our courses.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
Denver golf venues
For reservations, call 720-865-4653 or visit denvergov.org/golf.
City Park Golf Course 2500 York St.
Wellshire Golf Course
3333 S .Colorado Blvd.
Willis Case Golf Course
4999 Vrain St.
Harvard Gulch Golf Course
660 E. Iliff Ave.
Evergreen Golf Course
29614 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen
Kennedy Golf Course
10500 E. Hampden Ave.
Overland Park Golf Course
1801 S. Huron St.
Aqua Golf 501 W. Florida Ave.
