Love on the Links

If you're single and play golf and sitting at home on New Year's Eve, well, maybe you can wait until next year.

But for 300 other "single golfers," Orlando, Florida is the place to be for New Year's this year. From areas all over the U.S., singles will converge for fun, fellowship and fairways.

"In these days of internet meetings and virtual dating, getting to know other singles through golf has had a big impact on thousands of people," says Tom Alsop, founder and president of the American Singles Golf Association. "If you want to find out what makes a person tick, spend five hours with them on the golf course. You see them at their best and worst. You hear them creaming when sinking a 20-footer on one hole followed by 'don't talk to me' after they slice a ball 25 yards into the woods."

Has "singles golf" worked for many people?" Absolutely. It's unfortunate that we lose members because they meet other singles and drive off into the sunset," Alsop admits, "but that's the nature of our organization. Since our inception in 1992, over 12,000 people have joined."

This year, the group gathers for its Winter Golf Event in Orlando, Florida. "Because birds fly south in the winter, we do too," Alsop says. "Some of our biggest attendance numbers come from our northern chapters, like the Chicago chapter that's bringing 35 members to the event." Overall, there are 65 chapters of the American Singles Golf Association throughout the country according to the association's website. The event, which includes two or three rounds of golf, depending on your stamina, will culminate with a New Year's dinner and dance at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate.

ASGA is likely the country's largest singles organization. "If you're talking about real people meeting face-to-face, we're probably the largest nationwide singles organization in the country," says Alsop. "Each of our chapters meet at local restaurants for dinner or socializing each month and play golf at various locations in their area. During the winter months, members get together for Super Bowl parties, bowling events, game nights, etc. We do just about anything year-round that brings our members together."

Although this year's event is a complete sellout, Alsop says other events are scheduled throughout the year, including a late January visit to the Ritz Carlton at Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii. "Because of our size, we negotiate good rates and pass these savings on to our members," Alsop says. Other events hosted by the organization are scattered throughout the states but typically follow the weather. "If there's great golfing weather," he says, "chances are we'll be there."

This organization follows its slogan of "fun, fellowship, fairways" to the tee! If you're interested in being a part of it, visit the association's website or contact the main office in Charlotte at 1-888-GOLFMATE (1-888-465-3628).

Information:

American Singles Golf Association http://www.SinglesGolf.com Phone: 704-560-3555