A few weeks ago, we discussed the “strategic restructuring” of the Golf House Kentucky (GHK) organization. If you missed that entry, please check it out online, and then continue on here as we discuss some of the specifics of these ongoing efforts with Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) Executive Director Connie Saner.
Saner has been with GHK for eight years. In that time, she said that she has held a variety of different roles. Before being named as the executive director of the KGA, she was the senior director of membership and operations.
Speaking about her newest role within the organization, she recently said, “I am super excited to take on this new position, and to learn as much as I can. I think this will give us more of an opportunity to focus on the KGA, and to allocate the time necessary to making it better.”
For those who haven’t read the previously mentioned column focusing on the restructuring of GHK, Saner said that the idea is to “enhance and streamline” operations within the Association, the Kentucky PGA and the Kentucky Golf Foundation in order to “better serve the needs of golfers, golf courses, and any golf-related entities across the state.”
Previously, a single executive director was tasked with overseeing operations across each of the GHK’s three branches. Saner explained that, as activities continued to increase and new initiatives continued to be introduced, this model eventually became unsustainable. With the restructuring, however, each branch now has its own executive director who can focus time and energy solely to their respective departments.
When it comes to the KGA, Saner said, “What we want to do is grow the game of golf in the state of Kentucky. We want everyone to have a golf club in their hands. We want to grow our tournaments, and make sure that people are aware of competitive golfing opportunities.”
Saner also touched on the importance of educating prospective golfers on the importance and usefulness of handicaps, saying, “It provides a number of benefits for golfers at all skill levels. It helps to level the playing field and promote competition among players. The handicap will adjust a player’s score based on their individual abilities, so a beginner can still have a chance to win against a more experienced player.”
Saner said another benefit to utilizing a handicap is that it allows players to more effectively track their progress. “If you are posting your scores throughout the season, you can see from the beginning to the end how you have done, and how much you have grown as a player,” she said, adding that it also “motivates you to play more frequently, as it gives you a sense of reward when the handicap changes and you can measure your abilities more accurately.”
Editor’s Note: For more information on the handicapping process, visit the handicapping FAQ page of the GHK website at www.kygolf.org/content/handicapping-faq.
When it comes to her background, Saner did not bring any personal competitive golf experience with her when she started with GHK. She said that fact puts her in a minority when it comes to most of the rest of the organization, but she also feels that it gives her a unique perspective on things that has served her well so far.
“I like to say that I won them over and then they decided to take a chance on me,” Saner said of getting her start in GHK. “When you’re new to the game, you just come in with fresh ideas and a fresh perspective. I feel like that has been an advantage of mine.”
Some of those ideas have helped to accomplish things like how to get new people interested in starting to play the game of golf. Or how to get people to realize the many health benefits that go along with playing golf. Or how to get people to realize that golf is a lifelong sport that can be ongoing for as long as a person is physically able. Regardless of the particular mission, Saner has proven that you don’t have to have an extensive background in the sport to learn and make a significant positive impact for those who do play on a regular basis.
And speaking of playing, Saner said that there will be plenty of opportunities for competition across the state in the coming weeks and months. The KGA announced its 2025 schedule in early February (visit www.golfgenius.com/pages/4492492 to explore). The schedule opens on Friday, April 18, and runs through the month of September. Registration is open now.
“We encourage people to get started with the KGA amateur events,” Saner said. “It is a good way to get involved, start playing, and make some new friends. They are always a good time. You won’t be disappointed.”
Saner mentioned that Clark’s Pump-N-Shop has renewed its partnership with the KGA again, and will be sponsoring a number of championship events throughout the year.
When asked about some of her personal goals as the new executive director of the KGA, Saner said that she would like to continue working to develop youth programs. One in particular that is near-and-dear to her heart is called Youth on Course, a national program for golfers 18-and-under that aims to help break down the cost barrier by offering $25 a year memberships. With a membership, players can tee off at any participating course for the low cost of $5, or less.
“It is a great way to introduce kids to the game of golf,” Saner said of Youth On Course (www.youthoncourse.org).Saner said that she would also like to focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the game of golf while making a strong effort to reach out to underrepresented groups and adapting programs to create opportunities for players of all ages and ability levels.
