Buffalo’s long relationship with the World Golf Foundation / WE ARE GOLF called upon to help spread the word about industry’s Back2Golf initiative.
To lead the responsible return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus courses that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices. After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and the Federal Government “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations progress at various paces depending on geographic location.
Buffalo worked closely with the leading golf organizations (USGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, GCSAA, CMAA, NGCOA) on the Back2Golf strategic communications plan, providing messaging consultation to CEOs and organization representatives who were connecting with media and/or executing other external communication. The team drafted the initial press release and coordinated a media conference call with leading endemic and non-endemics outlets participating.
Next, we followed with targeted outreach on behalf of World Golf Foundation. In just a few weeks, our team has secured placements in New York Times, Yahoo Sports, Chicago Tribune and Sports Business Journal.
On the digital side, the team developed a Back2Golf webpage, containing all the information produced by the assembled communications group. Visitors to the website can view the guidelines, a breakdown of each phase, a public service announcement and more. Additionally, Buffalo assisted in leading social media activities which included developing B2B graphics for all channels, and connecting with industry gatekeepers to maximize the reach.
