Bring On Our Movement, A Golf League For You
By Bruce Berlet
April 7, 2021
Enjoyment should always be the ultimate reason for playing golf.
The Connecticut Section of the PGA of America will be offering another alternative toward that goal with the formation of the BOOM (Bring On Our Movement) Tour, a social, golf league “on wheels” focusing on the socializing and networking aspect of the game. The league focuses on recreational golfers ages 19-40 but all ages over 19 are welcome.
The Connecticut Section is targeting players ranging widely in experience and ability. Formats will be relaxed and vary per site but primarily consist of scramble, best ball, and shamble. Twenty events are scheduled at public and private clubs, starting May 10 at New Haven Country Club, and most will be 9 holes, with a few 18-hole weekend opportunities.
“The league is an attempt to continue our player development pathway that starts with junior golf and to capture the surge of golfers from 2020,” said Tim Paragone, the Section’s Youth Golf & Player Development Specialist. “It provides a place for people to golf with friends and meet new people while traveling to different golf courses. It also will showcase PGA Professionals and their facilities.”
Tournament Operations Director Dennis Dungee believes the league will enhance participation in the game. “As golf has seen a movement towards a more inclusive and diverse audience, the Connecticut Section wants to provide an avenue for these golfers to travel to different golf courses and enjoy the game,” Dungee said. “Some will have played in competitive golf formats, while others might not have made it from the driving range to the golf course. One thing for sure is regardless of golf experience, this league will offer a relaxed and social environment, very conducive for friends and business associates to network, while introducing its members to a variety of courses throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.”
The annual membership fee is $95, which will give golfers access to the events and a complimentary USGA/GHIN handicap. The entry fee for each event will vary depending on the facility, with tee times typically in the 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM window. Any who are interested are welcome to join them at their two kickoff informational events at Hops on the Hill Farm Brewery in South Glastonbury on April 20 and 28 at 6 PM. No registration is required for these events. There will be a food truck, cornhole, a long drive contest, and closest to the pin challenges set up for attendees. All guests will receive 1 drink ticket and two discounts to be used towards their first two separate course entry fees on the tour when they sign up.
For more information and to register for membership, visit their BOOM Tour Page or call them at 860-430-2302.
Lauren Rivard, the Connecticut Section’s new Events & Communications Coordinator, is helping market the new league. She is a 2020 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She has obtained numerous certifications in digital and social media marketing and brings a wealth of skills in creative graphics and consumer marketing.
Rivard spent almost 6 years working at the Ellington Ridge Country Club. She will be supporting the Connecticut Section and Foundation initiatives while blending in well with the administrative culture. “I am honored to join the Connecticut PGA Section team. I look forward to getting involved and being a part of such a great community growing the game of golf,” Lauren Rivard said.
For more information on the Connecticut Section, visit https://ctpga.com/