Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As part of the membership committee at Mink Meadows Golf Club we want to comment on the recent article by Jim Kaplan on shorter distances for golf play.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has been promoting a “Play it Forward” program to promote more greater participation in the game of golf. At Mink Meadows in the winter of 2012 and spring of 2013 tees were added and a new set of teeing areas introduced, reducing the distance of play on all holes should a player desire.

We have found that many players greatly enjoy the new layout, resulting in an increased quantity of play as well as a greater proportionate play by women. Another factor in the increased play of women at Mink has been the development of special weekly events for members throughout the summer. As a follow-up to this, the club has also sponsored a number of Nine and Dine outings, as well as Men’s Day activities.

In short, “Playing it Forward” has been a successful endeavor from the USGA view and from the new tees at Mink Meadows, we echo the essence of what Jim wrote, more players, more accessible, more fun.

Georgie White, Pat Gregory
West Tisbury