So I heard on the radio. 30% less folks playing in America. Even if that's not too accurate it's a hell of a decline.
I've nothing at all against golf, it bores me to death, but I can see it's appeal if you were in your 70/80/90s. I admire any sportsman that's good in their field, but I really can't see what draws the young to it.
I'd like to know if it's the only 'sport?' that's in decline.
Fox hunting is going through a rough patch.
footballers like it, presumably because it's one of the only other sports they're allowed to play.
St Moritz snow polo was canceled
Typical quote from a non golfer!
Typical response from a golfer!
WGAS? Its golf.
but I really can't see what draws the young to it.
what about fishing then - surely that is more of a waste of time for a kid?
The Southern Yeti - Member
Fox hunting is going through a rough patch.
You missed the smiley TSY. The hunting bill ironically gave it a lease of life. Another example of the law of unintended consequences.
Golf peaked (like most sports) just as people like the R&A commissioned a report recommending the construction of loads of new courses to meet rising demand. I have a feeling mtb (with 2012 price increases on bikes) is just nearing that same point!
Squash??? Similar trends??
the professional game seems to be flourishing especially the middle east and the far east. Even in the US theres enough prize money knocking around for a seniors tour.
Recession related? Big from a corporate perspective, esp in the US.
Golf is very expensive to play in the US. There's not many what we'd call municiple courses.
some great municiple courses in the US. Though they are no cheaper to play.
^ this.
golf is considered a rich man's game in the US and lots of business is done on the golf course. i think some firms provide club membershipas part of the employment package.
with the economy taking a dive and membership fees running into thousands it isn't surprising that golf participation has taken a hit.
i quite like golf. i'd often go off to the local range and hit a hundred balls. quite a calming effect. don't do it any more as here in germany golf is very much the preserve of the rich - you even need a golfing license in order to play...
oh, and i like fishing, too. used to fish lots when i was a kid. many hours spent on the side of a lake in the middle of nowhere...
google maps of Monterey Cal. is one big continuous golf course with street upon street of retirement homes.
Probably a number of factors.......
Increasing work/home pressure - golf takes a lot of time and can be expensive
Not many 'characters' amongst the pro's now - how many kids took up golf because of Tiger?
Not 'trendy' and dodgy boring image
Seriously.
I have a load of brand new golf balls for sale.
Noodle Ice, Maxflite etc.
Mail me.
Lets hope it is declining. Some quality mountain bike land out there that is being wasted on golf
I think it can partly be explained by how age and youth is viewed now compared to in the past.
The baby boom generation and those that followed are more youth orientated than previous generations and golf is seen as being an old fart sport. This is of course generalising but golf tends to be the game that people from their 50s onwards would have picked up...this demographic is now doing other things (cycling has probably seen the biggest increase in numbers due to the switch away from golf)
I think the main factor that has caused the loss in popularity as has been mentioned above is the cost, golf in the states is massively expensive compared to over here but even over here the price is prohibative.
As people get squeesed by the recession luxuries have to go, golf is for many a luxury and for some one they can no longer afford.
I used to play alot of golf and used to have a single figure handicap however the cost of membership was £5-600 per year. With working and trying to do up my flat i could no longer justify the expense. I miss not having the handicap as i can't play in any of the work competitions but still enjoy the odd bounce match with friends and collegues at the golf club the company has corporate membership at.
As for the age thing i'm 28.
No, it's not losing it's popularity in our house.
It's never been popular.
Think of all the titanium wasted on golf clubs over the years.
The junior scene in the UK is thriving. Alas most golf clubs now do not have waiting lists any more and are actively advertising for members. Not a good sign
Yet again I have to point out to the golf haterz that having done both mtbing and golf, there are a lot of similarities between the two sports and those who partake in them
Think of all the lapdancers wasted on Tiger Woods
just getting back into it after a 20 year absence (was quite good when i was 14/15 but then found the joy of cheap cider from the corner shop).... so funny seeing how far the technology has come , like most sports golf is very "all the gear no idea" had to laugh at the bloke going mental up the driving range with his new 8 million pound driver and couldnt even get the ball past 50yrds poor sod.....
as above most of our local clubs are screaming for new members, the days of waiting lists are long gone.
PostRusty Mac - MemberI used to play alot of golf and used to have a single figure handicap however the cost of membership was £5-600 per year.
I know that's not the only cost but £5-600 per year isn't too bad when you compare it to what a gym contract is, or a season ticket for a big football or rugby club, etc. (Or even the cost of Sky TV per month, the amounts that people spend on their phones....)
I think perhaps Omar Little has hit on some of the truth. My father's generation didn't think it was normal to be playing on bikes, skateboards, etc when they were in the 40s. Our generation think it's relatively normal to be surfing, biking, running, until you unable to.
Those who cannot play or are sh*t at it hate it and complain its a waste of a good walk!!!!!!
Some quality mountain bike land water out there that is being wasted on golf (if you're in Spain, bits of the US, Australia etc).
Golf for the masses peaked in the 90s. Our local club had a 3 year waiting list for membership. Now they are advertising and fees have dropped 400%!
Yet again I have to point out to the golf haterz that having done both mtbing and golf, there are a lot of similarities between the two sports and those who partake in them
actually as a golf hater i had noticed that, however my findings are a bit iffy as based purely on the similarity and gross extent of the preening and mincing seen at trail centre and golf course car parks 
I'm bemused... what similarities are there ?
I was a 2 handicap golfer and apprentice pro when i was 16/17 and i still don't get what's even remotely simillar.
i still don't get what's even remotely simillar.
Humans participate in both activities - sometimes people wear waterproof clothing in both activities - there is often a lot of grassy areas involved in both activities - they both involve occasional trips into the undergrowth - err...
Expensive kit and no skills?
I'd take golfists more seriously if they carried all their own stuff & didn't insist on riding around on little electric cars just to travel a few hundred yards ... as it is, they appear to be massively lazy
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