There’s been a lot of discussion in recent weeks here on GNN about apathy in the Canadian golf industry, but I still see people trying to make a difference.
I talk to a lot of golf pros. I talk to people from Golf Canada or the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO), junior tours, sales reps etc. and I still see a lot of energy.
Whether people actually see apathy or are just reading other opinions is the question. I always say that when the newspaper says the stock market is falling, everybody becomes an expert in what the stock market is doing. The same might hold true in the case of the apathy we’re discussing.
The energy and optimism that is out there is something we need to tap into in order to change things and it never hurts to seek new ideas or perspectives from people who are just starting to make their mark in the industry.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t something to be said for experience, but I think we all remember when we were full of vinegar when our careers were first getting going. We might get set in our ways, so it never hurts to look at the next generation coming up behind us.
There are a lot of energetic young people out there no matter what part of the industry they work in. I think they’ve got the energy and love the golf business. That’s our next wave.
I remember when I was a young guy and looked to some of the people who mentored me. They were my inspiration and I wanted to make a difference, so maybe it’s our turn now to let the young people know we want them to make a difference and feed off their enthusiasm.
I don’t care if you’re a stock broker, teacher, truck driver or golf professional, it’s too easy to get caught in the grind of any position, so maybe feeding off these young people will transform any apathy to energy,