After a hectic year, filled with much uncertainty and disappointing postponements, times are finally getting a little bit brighter in St. Louis. While COVID caused the 2020 Forest Park Forever Golf Tournament to be delayed from spring until August with several changes to the structure, this year’s tournament — to be held May 7, 2021, and once again hosted by the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever — is on track to be a record event for the conservancy. More than a year into the pandemic, organizers of events like these have become more experienced hosting socially distant events, with participants more comfortable in knowing how to enjoy each other’s company while maintaining safety protocols.

“Last year, the golf course was shut down for about two months,” says Kevin Riley, Assistant General Manager of The Courses at Forest Park. “When we finally opened, we had to figure out how to hold events and tournaments in a COVID environment, so we were forced to do away with a lot of regular proceedings and traditions.”

As the Assistant General Manager, Riley oversees the operations of the golf course and is in charge of staffing everything from the beverage carts, to the service attendants, to the tournaments and events. This month, he celebrates his fifth anniversary with The Courses as he gears up for what he considers will be a huge year for golf.

“Golf has been huge this year as far as popularity,” he says. “Every tee time has been booked up, especially the past couple of days and I feel like, this year we may break an attendance record for the tournament.”

The surge in popularity most likely comes from golf having the ability to be both a communal and individual sport — something you can do outdoors with socially distant small groups or separately. With this surge, however, comes first-time golfers and first-time tournament participants. For newbies, Riley has a great deal of advice to ease into the game.

“I would tell everyone getting into the game to familiarize themselves with golf etiquette, which means what you’re supposed to do on the course,” says Riley. “How are you supposed to be on the tee box? What’s the pace of play? You have to understand what you’re supposed to be doing out there.”

Riley also mentions the importance of going to the driving range before playing your first 9 or 18 holes

“I would definitely recommend going to the driving range to start out,” he says.  “The Highlands in Forest Park is a great option for newer golfers. They have pros who can help instruct you as well, which will only help you get better.”

For tournament newbies, Riley has three tips to help participants prepare for their first golf tournament:

1. Just like with general golf newbies, familiarize yourself with the game in general. Understand the terminology and the pace a golf tournament should take. The Forest Park Forever event is an 18-hole tournament and a “scramble,” which means golfers will be playing in a foursome where everyone tees off and you choose the best shot.

2. Keep it simple. A lot of times people try to get as many vendors and as many games as possible on the course – which can cause pace of play issues. Feel free to mix it up but try not to take away from your golfing experience.

3. Have fun. 95 percent of the time, tournaments are held to have fun and raise money for charity. That’s why you’re here, so remember that!

The Forest Park Forever Golf Tournament takes place in the Park Friday, May 7, 2021. Have you signed up yet?