As we arrive at the end of another golf season, I must say that the game is on the upswing.

The PGA of America and the USGA are putting the pedal to the metal. The PGA has been promoting the “Play Golf America” initiative with great success in 2011. The program has been very successful in getting people from all walks of life involved with our great game.

The key word is inclusive. Both great organizations are trying to have programs that make golfers feel more comfortable (especially the beginners) while playing the game.

The “Tee it Forward” program is a wonderful concept that has been taking shape this year, which encourages golfers to play from a set of tees where they have a chance to score a bit better.

Stuart Harrison (71 years young) is a great example from “Tee it Forward.” He can now play in the high 70s from the senior tees at Bluff Point Golf & Country Club. I feel that it is our responsibility to try to make the game as much fun as possible.

I have long been a proponent of the 9-hole round. This is a great way to get more golfers playing the game and not taking 5 to 6 hours to do so.

I’m hoping that all the golf courses in our area will initiate golf packages that will embrace new golfers and welcome back the golfers who have left the game due to price and time.

Our current president of the PGA of America, Allen Wronowski, has encouraged all of us PGA golf professionals to make every effort to make golf a more fun and comfortable experience. I hope that all the golfers who have left the game will give it another go and find that there is a lot of help out there through your local PGA professional.

As the great song goes, “Let’s get it started.”

Golf tip of the week

This tip is mainly for women. If you have a tendency to overswing, it is caused by bending your left arm (right handed golfers). Practice your backswing while maintaining a straight left arm. This should cure the overswing.

Rule of the week

Golf etiquette (mostly for beginning golfers). Consideration for other players: 1. The player who has the honor should be allowed to play before his opponent or fellow competitor tees his ball. 2. No one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke. 3. No player should play until the players in front are out of range.

Email Willie King at: pburghgolf@yahoo.com