Singles looking for golfers

Green fairways beckon, as singles head to the links in pursuit of the perfect swing --and possibly the perfect mate. The national obsession with the game (golf, that is) is quickly turning the golf course into one of the hottest new places for single adults to meet and socialize.

Gone are the days when singles bars, computer dating, and sheer luck were the only opportunities for singles to mingle. And while singles night at the local grocery store or laundromat can still be found on occasion, most singles are hoping to meet someone with whom they have more in common than laundry or groceries. This is certainly the case for the many singles whose shared passion for golf has brought them together as members of The American Singles Golf Association.

In just over ten years, the organization has grown from its single chapter infancy to a national organization of 60+ chapters located in cities throughout the country. Recently, a new chapter was set-up in Peachtree City /Atlanta. Additional chapters are currently in development and Alsop expects the number of chapters and members to continue to grow at 10-15 per year.

Local chapters are run by chapter officers and committees; volunteers that take a leadership role in their chapter's operations. Viewed as yet another opportunity to get together with fellow members and have some fun, chapter officers maintain that it doesn't take much time and it doesn't look bad on your resume either. Whatever their reasons, it’s apparent that these singles are having the time of their lives.

A dinner meeting and at least one golf event is held by ASGA chapters each month. Some chapters play golf more than once a month and large chapters may have something planned every weekend. Members have the opportunity to enjoy a number of very fine courses at rates negotiated for ASGA golf events. Non-golf socials are held also but golf is definitely the primary focus. The organization's motto is, after all, "Fun, Fellowship, and Fairways."

Although golf by itself is an expensive sport, ASGA’s dues are only $70. Members receive a membership card, ASGA bag tag, golf club identification labels (to wrap around your golf clubs in case you lose them on the course), a monthly e-newsletter, membership roster, and various national and local discounts. But the biggest benefit, all members agree, is the steady stream of new friends.

A Peachtree City/Atlanta chapter of ASGA was formed recently and members meet on a regular basis at a local restaurant and play golf monthly. To receive information about joining, call the national office at 1-888-465-3628 or locally at 404 215-4227. The national group has recently set-up a web site, and you can register for more information. The site’s address is www.singlesgolf.com.

Cindy Zeldin, is the new chapter president, and she’s excited about the chapter’s potential. “We know golf is becoming very attractive to both men and women. Women, in particular, find the organization very friendly. It’s sort of neat to see women asking men to play golf with them. In what other social realm can women ask men out? It’s a unique organization . . . a lot of fun and fellowship.”