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With the tees in place, the next
challenge for Longleaf was to
communicate the system effectively to
golfers. A crucial part of this is clear
signage. “The charts and illustrations
elevate this over other tee initiatives.
From the pro shop and range to the
first tee and scorecard, it is all packaged
in a way that encourages more players
to play from the correct tees,” says
Bergin. On the practice range, there is a
guide for golfers that shows which tees
they should use, which is determined
by the distance they hit their drives.
“The beauty of the Longleaf Tee
System is that you don’t lose the
integrity of the design,” says Jeff
Cowell, General Manager of Longleaf
Golf & Family Club. “It’s not just an
arbitrary layout of the tees to make
a hole shorter. So most importantly,
the players still feel a sense of great
accomplishment and fun as they play.
Since Bill’s work here at Longleaf, our
total rounds are up nearly 20 percent
over a year ago and I’m hearing from
a lot of happy members and guests.”
“This tee system has given me a
completely different confidence about
playing,” says Longleaf Golf & Family
Club member Emily Simeon. “I can go
out and play with many people who
are much better golfers than I am—
and I can compete.”
•
CASE STUDY
From the pro shop
and range to the first
tee and scorecard, it is
all packaged in a way
that
encourages
more players to play
from the
correct tees
A guide on the practice range shows golfers
which tees they should use, determined by the
distance they hit their drives
Photos: Longleaf Golf & Family Club