GAP takes national handicapping honors

  The award for 2004 was presented to the Golf Association of Philadelphia.

  GHIN is the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap and Information Network. It involves some 1.9 million players at 10,000 clubs served by 59 golf associations in states across the country.

  According to Kevin Hartigan, director of GHIN, the award is presented based on several criteria, the most important being feedback from member golf clubs during GHIN’s annual survey of all 10,000 clubs.

  Clubs are asked to rate their association on accessibility, responsiveness to questions and the level of assistance provided in resolving issues.

  According to Hartigan, "GAP was rated outstanding in each of these areas and, additionally, [the Association] received very favorable comments from [its] member clubs.

  "The feedback we received from GAP member clubs was outstanding," she said. "They were particularly pleased with how easy it was to get a hold of GAP and have their questions answered and issues resolved.

  "The support an association provides is seen as a key component to the success of the GHIN system," she added. "We thank GAP for [their] dedication to excellence in this area."

  Mark Peterson, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Executive Director, was pleased that the award dovetailed with the association’s "strong focus during the last two years to improve the services of our handicapping administration.

  "It’s the most utilized service provided by GAP. It affects each and every club event of our members."

  Peterson said the addition to the GAP staff of Doug Sullivan, the director of Handicapping and Course Rating, and Dave Prinz, assistant director, "has improved greatly our level of service. They make a great one-two punch. They are a very effective combination."

  Sullivan said that being rated No. 1 is a distinct honor, "considering that there are many fine associations out there that do a terrific job."

  He said Golf Association of Philadelphia’s handicapping administration serves 58,000 players at 171 golf clubs in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.

  He said the addition of Prinz as assistant director, "making us a good team," enabled the office to considerably expand its club visitation and training activities.

  "We have so many great courses in this area, with great members," Sullivan said, "they deserve the best service."

  Peterson and Sullivan accepted the award at GHIN members’ users meeting at Bridgewater, N.J., in October.