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Golfers are playing about as many rounds in 2009 vs. 2008, but they are managing their cost per round by playing less expensive courses and playing at off-peak times.
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Percent of Golfers*
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| Play during off-peak days/times |
61% |
| Play less expensive courses |
58% |
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Spend less on food & beverage
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53% |
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Not pay for as many guests
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41% |
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Use caddies less
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34% |
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Walk instead of ride
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30% |
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Buy less expensive clubs/equipment
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24% |
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Tip less
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19% |
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Buy used golf balls
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16% |
| *Strongly or somewhat agree with each statement provided by NGF. |
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Healthcare, what's next?
Since the Senate passed its health reform bill as expected, the next step will be for a group of House and Senate leaders to get together to work out the differences in their two bills. Then that final, compromise bill will be sent back to the House and back to the Senate for a last yes-or-no vote (no amendments allowed).
Last week, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer dismissed the idea that the House would just rubber stamp the bill the Senate passed. "There's significant, important differences between what the Senate is proposing and what we proposed," He said, "and those matters will have to be discussed."
Those differences include big things like whether there should be a public plan (the House bill includes one; the Senate bill doesn't) and how to pay the approximately $1 trillion cost over 10 years. But the most complex negotiations will probably be over the different abortion language in the two bills. Liberal and conservative Democrats can't be satisfied at the same time, yet their votes are needed to pass the bill.
Brent Simms, Sailing, Simms, Associates will be following this important legislation for us in order to eliminate the need for us to read the 2000+ pages of the bill.
New Ohio BWC Requirements
The BWC has a new requirement that any employer participating in the July 1, 2009, Rate Year Group Rating Program who had one or more claims in calendar year 2007 or 2008 must attend 2 hours of Safety Training. The Frank Gates Service (OGCOA's program administer) will be communicating additional details to the impacted employers.
Click here for additional information.
A Pioneer Passes 
William (Bill) Powell of East Canton, Ohio, the only African American to build, own and operate a golf course (Clearview Golf Course), and a selfless ambassador for building diversity in the game, died 12/31/09 at Canton hospital following complication from a stroke. He was 93.
Powell had celebrated in 2009 what he recently called the best year of his life-a season of tribute highlighted by his receiving in August the PGA Distinguished Service Award, the Associations highest annual honor. In November, Powell was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame; was named Person of the Year by the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the Powell family its Community Service Award.
Click here for additional information.
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